Page 15 - The Military Reunion Network Sept Oct 2017 Issue
P. 15
Military Reunion Network | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | #militaryreunionsmatter
GALVESTON OH GALVESTON
Few destinations have weathered the test of time through war, colonization and natural
disaster and lived to tell the tale like Galveston. Steeped in American history, the island
offers veterans and history buffs alike a chance to discover remnants of its fascinating past.
Discover World’s Largest Seawolf Park lies the USS Stewart, one of only San Luis Resort and
Collection of Southwestern two surviving destroyer escorts in the country. Fort Crockett Park
Artifacts in Galveston You’ll have a chance to examine Stewart’s artillery
and even peer through grates with views into the In Galveston, even the island’s magnificent
Discover Texas military history at Galveston’s engine room. Seawolf Park’s remarkable history resorts have interesting stories to tell. The
Bryan Museum. The museum houses the largest will have you yearning to learn more, so plan on San Luis Resort owes its breathtaking view of
collection of Southwestern artifacts in the world. spending an hour or two here. the Gulf of Mexico to the military bunker on which
With 70,000 items spanning 12,000 years, it www.americanunderseawarfarecenter.com it is built. The resort’s foundation was built on top
includes treasures ranging from ancient Native of Fort Crocket, a former government reservation
American cultural artifacts to 21st century pieces S.S. SELMA originally built as a defense installation to protect
– rare German, French, Spanish, and English the city and harbor of Galveston. Fort Crockett’s
documents; exquisite saddles; spurs; antique Steel shortages during World War I led the United four batteries are still visible today, one of them
firearms; exceptionally rare maps and books; States to build experimental concrete ships, the now home to a public park located on Seawall
fine art; religious and folk art; portraits; and largest of which was the SS Selma. Today, the Boulevard across from the San Luis Resort.
documents. The museum, which opened in June ship is partially submerged in Galveston Bay. Built An interesting quick stop, bring your camera
2015, even features original correspondence from in Mobile, Alabama, the ship was launched the and plan on spending about 15 minutes taking
the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. same day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, in the view!
www.thebryanmuseum.com officially ending World War I. As a result, the
7,500-ton ship never served during the war but
American Undersea instead was placed into service as an oil tanker in
Warfare Center featuring the Gulf of Mexico. The S.S. SELMA is visible from
the USS CAVALLA and Seawolf Park so be sure to add it to your must-
USS STEWART see list while exploring the park’s other marine
treasures. www.galveston.com/seawolfpark
Check out Seawolf Park for a quick brush up Call 866-505-4456 • www.galveston.com
on Texas naval history. The park serves as the
berthing place of the WWII submarine the USS
Cavalla, a memorial to the lost submarine USS
Seawolf. The Cavalla was commissioned in
February 1944 by the Electric Boat Company and
is known for sinking Shokaku, a 30,000-ton
aircraft carrier and Pearl Harbor veteran. In 1971,
the USS Cavalla was delivered to her permanent
berth in Galveston. Alongside the USS Cavalla at
Continued on page 27 15
