Texas Maritime History for Families

Corpus Christi

With its long coastline, it's no surprise that much Texas history relates to the sea. Maritime history dating back to the European discovery of America is the focus of Corpus Christi's World of Discovery, which includes the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History as well as the Ships of Columbus. This museum is home to the Smithsonian exhibit called the "Seeds of Change," commemorating the European discovery of America which was designed for the 500th anniversary of the European discovery of America. After a look at the exhibit which traces all the many changes brought about by the discoverers, children can walk outside and visit life-sized replicas of Columbus's ships. These were constructed by the Spanish government to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the explorer's voyage.

More modern maritime history is explored at Corpus Christi's USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. This vessel once served as a World War II aircraft carrier and held the distinction of being as the most decorated aircraft carrier in US Naval history. It was (erroneously) reported to have been sunk four times, and was nicknamed "The Blue Ghost" both for its color and its resurrections. Families can take their pick from several self-guided tour routes. Children can also take a ride on a flight simulator that uses sight, sound, and movement to give passengers the sensation of riding in either an attack airplane or a helicopter.

La Porte

World War I and II history are remembered at the Battleship Texas State Historical Park, located in La Porte near Houston. This battleship served in both wars, then was decommissioned in 1948 with plans to use the ship for target practice. Fundraising efforts led by the schoolchildren of Texas saved the battleship, which is today open for self-guided tours.

Galveston

On Galveston Island, visitors can tour the Elissa, a restored 1877 tall ship . The ship is housed at the Texas Seaport Museum which contains displays on Galveston's shipping history, as well as a database containing the names of over 133,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. through Galveston. The museum also explores the darkest day of Galveston: September 8, 1900,the day of the arrival of one of the worst storms in USU.S. history. Known as the Great Storm, the hurricane killed over 6,000 residents and destroyed one-third of the city. To prevent future damage by storm surges, the city constructed a seven-mile seawall and raised the level of the island. Near the Texas Seaport Museum, families can watch a documentary film on the Great Storm and its aftermath.

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