Battleship Memorial Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battleship Memorial Park
USS Alabama in Battleship Memorial Park in 2008
Location	Mobile, Alabama, United States
Founded	January 9, 1965
Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
Official name: Battleship Alabama Memorial Park
Designated	October 28, 1977
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Official name: USS ALABAMA (battleship)
Designated	January 14, 1986
Reference no.	86000083
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Official name: USS DRUM (submarine)
Designated	January 14, 1986
Reference no.	86000086
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Battleship Memorial Park is an exciting military history park and museum. It is located on the western shore of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama. This amazing park is home to famous aircraft and museum ships. These include the South Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama and the Gato-class submarine USS Drum. Both the Alabama and the Drum are recognized as National Historic Landmarks. The entire park was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1977.

A Look Back: Park History

Saving the USS Alabama

In May 1962, the USS Alabama was going to be taken apart for scrap metal. This was also planned for her sister ships, the USS South Dakota, USS Indiana, and USS Massachusetts. But people in Alabama had a different idea! They created the "USS Alabama Battleship Commission." Their goal was to raise money to save the Alabama. They wanted it to be a memorial for all the brave people who served in World War II.

Kids Help Save a Battleship!

Guess what? School children in Alabama played a huge part! They collected about $100,000 in nickels and dimes. This money came from their lunch money and allowances. Their efforts helped make the dream come true. The ship was given to the state on June 16, 1964. It was officially handed over on July 7, 1964, in Seattle, Washington.

The Alabama Arrives in Mobile

Afterward, the Alabama was carefully towed to its permanent home. It arrived in Mobile Bay on September 14, 1964. The park officially opened its doors as a museum ship on January 9, 1965. It has been welcoming visitors ever since.

More Historic Vessels Join the Park

In 1969, the USS Drum joined the Alabama. The Drum is a World War II Gato-class submarine. It was first docked behind the battleship. In 2001, the submarine was moved onto land. This was done to help preserve it. Now, it is a permanent display for everyone to see.

Later, in 2003, a copy of a Confederate submarine was added. This replica, the CSS H. L. Hunley, was built in Mobile. It is another interesting piece of history at the park.

Hurricane Katrina's Impact

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Battleship Memorial Park. The storm caused over $7 million in damage. It almost completely destroyed the area where aircraft were displayed. The hurricane even moved the Alabama from its spot. It also made the ship tilt to one side. The park had to close for repairs. It reopened on January 9, 2006, after a lot of hard work.

What You Can See: Park Features

Battleship Memorial Park is packed with amazing things to explore. Here are some of the highlights:

• The mighty World War II battleship USS Alabama (BB-60).
• The World War II submarine USS Drum (SS-228).
• A collection of bombers and fighter planes. These range from a B-52 from the Vietnam War to a P-51 Mustang. This Mustang was flown by the famous Tuskegee Airmen. You can also see a Lockheed A-12 spyplane.
• A PBR (River Patrol Boat) that was used in the Vietnam War.
• Various military equipment. This includes an M51 Skysweeper anti-aircraft gun and an M4 Sherman tank.
• A PGM-11 Redstone short-range ballistic missile.
• A special memorial dedicated to the Korean War.
• A special memorial dedicated to the Vietnam War.

Aircraft Pavilion: Heroes of the Sky

The Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion showcases many different types of aircraft. These planes represent various eras of military history.

Aircraft from World War II

Aircraft from the Korean War

Aircraft from the Vietnam War

Aircraft from the Cold War

Coast Guard Aircraft

Exciting Events at the Park

The park is not just for looking at history; it also hosts events! In 2001, the USA Cross Country Championships were held on a special running course in the park.

Since 2012, the park has focused on its historical mission. It no longer allows political events to be held there.

One of the most popular events is the living history crew drill. This happens six times a year. People dressed as World War II reenactors show what life was like on the ship. They share stories, explain how weapons worked, and demonstrate drills. It's a great way to experience history firsthand!

How the Park is Managed

Battleship Memorial Park is owned by the state of Alabama. It is managed by a special group called the USS Alabama Battleship Commission. This commission has 18 members. They are chosen by the Alabama governor. This group oversees everything that happens at the park.

Gallery

See also

• List of museums in Alabama
• List of maritime museums in the United States
• List of battleships of the United States Navy