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 a cool military history park and museum. It's located on the western shore of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama. This park has an amazing collection of famous aircraft and museum ships.

The main attractions are the huge battleship USS Alabama and the submarine USS Drum. Both the USS Alabama and USS Drum are considered National Historic Landmarks. This means they are very important historical places! The park itself was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1977.

History of Battleship Memorial Park

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. But people in Alabama wanted to save the Alabama. They formed a group called the "USS Alabama Battleship Commission." Their goal was to raise money to turn the ship into a memorial. It would honor the brave men and women who served in World War II.

Kids Help Save the Ship

Guess what? Kids in Alabama played a huge part! School children raised about $100,000. They collected nickels and dimes from their lunch money and allowances. Their efforts really helped save the ship!

Alabama Arrives in Mobile

The state of Alabama was officially given the ship on June 16, 1964. The Alabama was then towed all the way to her new home in Mobile. She arrived in Mobile Bay on September 14, 1964. The park officially opened as a museum ship on January 9, 1965.

USS Drum Joins the Park

In 1969, the USS Drum joined the Alabama. The Drum is a World War II submarine. For many years, she was moored in the water behind the battleship. In 2001, the submarine was moved onto land. This was done to help preserve her better. Now, you can see her on a permanent display.

Hurricane Katrina's Impact

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the park. It caused more than $7 million in damages. The storm almost completely destroyed the aircraft pavilion. It also made the Alabama tilt to one side. The park had to close for repairs. It reopened on January 9, 2006, after everything was fixed.

How the Park is Run

Park Administration

The state of Alabama owns Battleship Memorial Park. An independent government agency runs it. This agency is called the USS Alabama Battleship Commission.

The Commission's Role

The commission has eighteen members from all over the state. The Alabama governor chooses these members. They are in charge of everything that happens at the park.

What You Can See at the Park

Main Attractions

• The World War II-era battleship USS Alabama (BB-60).
• The World War II-era submarine USS Drum (SS-228).

Aircraft and Vehicles

• Awesome Bombers and fighter planes! These include a B-52 from the Vietnam War.
• You can also see a P-51 Mustang. This type of plane was flown by the famous Tuskegee Airmen.
• There's even an A-12 spyplane!
• A PBR (River Patrol Boat) used in the Vietnam War.
• Military equipment like a Skysweeper M51 anti-aircraft gun.
• You can also see a M4 Sherman tank.
• A Redstone MRBM (medium range ballistic missile).

Memorials

• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial

Recreation at the Park

In 2001, the USA Cross Country Championships were held here. It was a cross country running race course in the park.

Gallery