U.S.S. TEXAS
Also known as: The Battleship Texas
Why it's listed
Built at Newport News in 1911-14, the battleship Texas measured 573 feet long and carried ten 14-inch guns. She was one of the last two American warships fitted with reciprocating steam engines, and she is the only one that survives. Her sister ship, New York, was sunk in a 1948 training exercise. The Navy chose these older engines largely to push turbine builders toward better designs. Texas served in the British Grand Fleet in World War I. In World War II she escorted convoys, supported the North African landings, shelled German defenses at Normandy, and bombarded Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Converted from coal to oil in 1925, she was decommissioned in 1948 after 34 years of service. Texans organized a commission to save her, and she was given to the State of Texas as a monument. Today she is moored near the San Jacinto battleground, with engine rooms and small museums open to visitors.
Significance in brief: Texas was one of the last two American warships built with reciprocating steam engines and is the only survivor of them. Her engines are described as the most sophisticated of their class and mark the rapid evolution of naval steam power. She also served in both World Wars, including the Normandy invasion and the bombardments of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 76002039, listed December 8, 1976. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 22 mi. E of Houston on TX 134 at San Jacinto Battleground, Houston |
|---|---|
| County | Harris County |
| Listed | December 8, 1976 |
| Reference number | 76002039 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1910-1948 |
| Architect / builder | Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company |
| Areas of significance | Military, Engineering |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated December 8, 1976 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Moored as a historic monument and museum ship open to the public; condition rated good. The engines are intact but no longer operable, and the teakwood main deck has deteriorated and is partly covered with concrete. |
| Coordinates | 29.75618, -95.08970 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 76002039.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q1500182
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.