La Porte, Texas Travel Guide

This port city near Houston was founded by the French in 1889. Located on the upper reaches of Galveston Bay, the community offers watersports. It is also home to many shipping and petrochemical industries.

Attractions

San Jacinto Battlefield State Historical Park. Located in the community of Deer Park near Houston, this is the site of the fateful battle between the Texas patriots and the Mexican army of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, which won Texas its independence from Mexico in 1836. The event is remembered with the 570-foot San Jacinto Monument made of Texas limestone. At the base of the monument stands the San Jacinto Museum of Texas History with displays on the region's history as well as a multi-media show. The park is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Battleship USS Texas. This ship, located near the San Jacinto Battlefield State Historical Park, fought in both World Wars and was renovated by money raised by the schoolchildren of Texas. It is considered the world's last remaining dreadnought battleship. Tours take visitors through crew quarters, engine rooms, the Navigation Bridge, and more. 6 mi southeast on Gulf Frwy (I-45) to I-610 (South Loop), then 1 -1/2 mi east to Rte. 225 (La Porte Frwy), then 10-1/2 mi east to Rte. 134 and 3 mi west to Battleground; highway signs identify the battlefield exits beginning on the Gulf Freeway.

Tourism Information

La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce