The first Battleship Texas was christened on August 15, 1895, becoming the first American steel-hulled battleship. The 309-foot vessel was soon called into action. It was used to bring home the bodies of those that died in the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. In the Spanish-American War that followed, the Texas participated in the defeat of a Spanish squadron during the Battle of Santiago, fought July 3, 1898.

After the war, the Texas served in various peacetime activities until 1911. At that time, its name was changed to the USS San Marcos so that the name Texas could be reassigned to a new, more modern battleship. After being brought in and out of service for several years, Texas I became a gunnery target for newer ships in the U. S. Navy. She now lies at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, about seven miles southeast of Tangier Island.

The keel of the second battleship to be named the USS Texas was laid at the Newport News, Virginia shipyard in 1911, the same year that Texas (I) was decommissioned. This new 573-foot vessel (sometimes referenced by its hull number--BB35) was christened in March 1914. It displaced 27,000 tons and was powered by dual steam engines, together capable of delivering over 28,000 horsepower. It served in the Atlantic Fleet during World War I and was present at the surrender of the Imperial German Fleet in 1918.

In 1925, the USS Texas underwent extensive renovation. The coal-burning boilers were replaced with oil-fired units. In addition, a new superstructure was installed and significant changes were made to the forward main deck. With these changes, she became a key component of the United States Fleet. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), the Texas served as the flagship for the bombardment group supporting the landing of Allied troops on Omaha Beach. Later that same month, she survived two direct hits from German shore guns. After the damage was repaired, the USS Texas was moved in 1945 into the Pacific theater, where she supported the landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Soon after World War II, ownership of the Texas was transferred to the state of its namesake to be used as a state historic landmark. The battleship is now permanently moored near the San Jacinto monument--the site just east of Houston where Texas won her independence from Mexico in 1836. The battleship is maintained by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Primary Reference:
Robert S. Egan et al., USS Texas (BB35), Leeward Publications, Annapolis, MD, 1976.

By Ray Roberts -Battleship Texas Volunteer

Battleship Texas will play a major role in one of The biggest and most expensive motion picture projects ever. The $145 million production of Disney's 'Pearl Harbor" will boast exterior shots of the USS Texas, depicting the USS Tennessee, USS Oklahoma, and the USS West Virginia in the attack of Pearl Harbor. Interior scenes were also shot for use as the USS Hornet.

"Pearl Harbor" used over 350 extras and film crew, including 100 plus local extras for the one-week long filming aboard.

The film staring Ben Affleck, Alec Baldwin, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the December 7, 1941 attack on U.S. naval base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Directing "Pearl Harbor" is Michael Bay, producing is Jerry Bruckheimer, the same team that made 1998's biggest moneymaker "Armageddon".

Battleship Texas' first brush with the silver screen came in 1966 during the production of "The Sand Pebbles" starring Steve McQueen. Several shots of her interior were filmed." Pearl Harbor", a Touchstone Pictures release, is scheduled to open next May.