Hard Hat Below Deck Tours of the USS Texas Battleship

She sits idle now in her permanent resting grounds, the great BB 35, the Battleship Texas, who gave proud and honorable service to her country through two world wars of the last century.

Once an active and decorated warship, the Texas now resides in Buffalo Bayou just off the Houston Ship Channel at the San Jacinto Battlegrounds State Historical Park near Houston, a reminder of the commitment and National pride of the people of Texas, the first Battleship Museum in the nation.

Almost as old as the Titanic, the Texas has been boarded by many curious pilgrims since it was opened as a museum in 1983. Almost without exception, visitors report a subtle but powerful sense of her rich history as they stroll her decks.

But like all antique sailing vessels, time is hard on the metal giant and she is forever in a state of restoration. And while the areas for touring always receive the most attention when it comes to restoration projects, below decks remains dark, dirty and mysterious, all but closed off from the world for decades.

Yet lovers of the ship, those who have walked in her shadow and ever yearn to know her better, have long wanted to visit the dark corners below the public touring areas, to walk through the halls and decks where history was made and still lingers. And now they have their chance.

A group of Monument volunteers in conjunction with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department are offering special "Hard Hat" tours of the Texas, a three-and-a-half hour below deck experience that takes curiosity seekers and history buffs deep into the ship to areas closed to the public.

Because of the failing condition of the below decks and the slow process of interior restoration. Many of these areas are accessible only down ladders and stairways. Volunteer guides warn the trip is dirty and often dark. Hard hats and flashlights are provided, but those taking the tour are advised to wear old and durable clothing. Individuals unable to physically climb ladders in tight places are advised not to participate.

The next available Hard Hat tours are being offered January 20, March 17, 2007

and May 5, 2007. A minimum donation of $30 a person is required and participants should come prepared for a lengthy hike below decks.

Areas scheduled for the Hard Hat tours include the Ammo Handling Room, Aft Steering, Drying Room, Boiler Room, Main Radio Room, Plotting Room, Forward Dynamo Room, Forward Power Distribution Room, Central Station, # 1 Turret, and the Pilot House.

For more information visit the official Web site. And visit this site to learn more about the history of the Texas.