Galveston Experiences for History & Military Buffs
Steeped in American and Texas history, Galveston Island offers veterans and history buffs alike a chance to discover remnants of its military significance.
From Texas’s own fight for independence to the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, the contributions of the men and women from Galveston County to the great state of Texas and the country cannot be understated.
Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park
Check out the Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park for a quick brush-up on naval history. Here, you can take a self-guided tour through the USS Cavalla Submarine & USS Stewart Destroyer Escort.
Coming with a large group? Sleepover packages are available that allow you to bunk in the same quarters as sailors from over 75 years ago. To learn more about the Galveston Naval Museum, click here.
Steel shortages during World War I led the United States to build experimental concrete ships, the largest of which was the SS Selma. Today, the ship is partially submerged in Galveston Bay. Built in Mobile, Alabama, the ship was launched the same day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I. As a result, the 7,500-ton ship never served during the war but instead was placed into service as an oil tanker in the Gulf.
If exploring the ship channel by boat, pack a fishing pole as it is a very popular fishing spot. The S.S. SELMA is visible from Seawolf Park so be sure to add it to your must-see list while exploring the park’s other marine treasures.
Take the Juneteenth Freedom Walk
The freedom walk tour is offered year-round and transports visitors back to June 19, 1865. Re-trace the steps of General Gordon Granger, union soldiers and the U.S.-colored troops as they spread the news of freedom to enslaved African Americans two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
The walk is available as a self-guided tour, online virtual tour or with the download of an app (Android or Apple). The immersive app experience comes with virtual reality videos that go in-depth into the history of each location.
San Luis Resort and Fort Crockett Park
In Galveston, even the island’s luxury resorts have interesting stories to tell. The San Luis Resort owes its breathtaking view of the Gulf to the military bunker on which it is built. The resort’s foundation was built on top of Fort Crockett, a former government reservation originally built as a defense installation to protect the city and harbor of Galveston.
Fort Crockett’s four batteries are still visible today, one of them is home to a public park located on Seawall Boulevard across from the San Luis Resort. An interesting quick stop, bring your camera and plan on spending about 15 minutes taking in the view!
Military Monuments
Etched into the zeitgeist forever is the phrase, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas.” Texans (especially Galvestonians) are famously proud of their state’s and nation’s military history. Galveston has a plethora of places to honor the fallen ranging from large extravagant monuments to subtle nods to military heroes.
Notable Postoffice Street Memorials
While exploring downtown, be sure to stop by Post Office Street. Memorialized on the corner near where he once played Taps every evening, is a bronze statue of Marine Corps veteran Guy Taylor. Taylor served in the Korean War and was credited with saving the lives of two fellow service members in battle. He passed away in 2017 but a statue stands in his honor. Some nights at sunset if you’re lucky you will hear someone pick up the bugle and carry on the tradition in Taylor’s honor.
Also located on the corner of 21st and Post Office Street is a sidewalk mural that depicts different branches of service. The mural features 8-foot-by-8-foot stripes honoring the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard.
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