The volunteer organization, in concert with Texas Parks & Wildlife, is hosting the Hard Hat Tours scheduled from October through early May. Now you can satisfy your curiosity and take with you an appreciation for the importance of this early 20th Century dreadnought’s construction, equipment and operation, innovations, and operational history. Participants will be able […]
History of Steam Reciprocating Engines and the USS Texas BB-35
The Battleship Texas was built between 1911-14 by Newport News and Dry-Dock Co. At this time in our history the Panama Canal was completed, the Titanic sank on her maiden voyage and the Wright brothers had flown for the first time ten years earlier. Seems like a very long time ago yet the USS Texas […]
14″ Naval Gun
During modernization in the 1930s, old 14″/45 (35.6 cm) guns were constructional upgraded and the chamber volume enlarged to allow larger charges to increase the muzzle velocity. Marks 1, 3 and 5 became Marks 8, 9 and 10, respectively. The Mark 12 was a further conversion, with chromium plating to increase barrel life. These guns […]
Armament
The USS Texas was built with Mk. 1 14in/45 cal. guns in 1913. In late 1944 she was refitted with Mk. 12 gun. USS Texas Firing her 14″ Guns
WWII in Colour
The photos below are the only color photos of TEXAS, in her USN period, that I have seen. Based on objects aboard, the photos are between Jan – Aug 1941. The Jan date is based on the Kingfisher airplane. The August period is based on the birdbath platform, atop the foremast. This was removed when […]
Ship Builders Model, USS Texas BB35
This Model is located at Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept HQ, in Austin This model was made prior to the construction of the ship, the Texas was built in 1912-1914 Close up of the forward tower and forward smoke stack. The towers were used for main and secondary battery fire control and look outs. Nice […]
Photo Collection 1914-1918
U.S. Marines stationed aboard the Texas. Crew waiting on deck for permission to go swimming. Launching the ship’s Steamer. Texas band playing while in port in Galveston Texas. Battalion aboard the boats. Battalion on deck wearing field packs. The following is a partial crew roster during WWI. Its partial due to the fact of crew members […]
Engines
It should be remembered that the USS Texas began her career as a coal burning ship and was converted into an fuel oil burning ship during modernization in 1927. Because she was a coal burner in 1918, she was selected to join the British Grand Fleet during WW1. The fuel oil burning Battleships of the U.S. Navy […]