Fort Travis Seashore Park facts for kids
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Fort Travis
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Fort Travis on Bolivar Peninsula
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 Fort Travis
Location in Texas
Fort Travis
Location in the United States
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| Location | SH 87 at Loop 108, Port Bolivar, Texas |
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| Area | 70 acres (28 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000247 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 30, 2005 |
Fort Travis Seashore Park is a cool historic place in Texas. It used to be a military fort with big bunkers. This park is found on the western tip of the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas. It covers about 60 acres and has a lot of history!
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Fort Travis: A Historic Texas Fort
Fort Travis was once a very important military base. It protected the coast of Texas for many years. Today, it is a fun park where people can visit and learn about its past.
Early Days of Bolivar Point
Long before Fort Travis was built, this area was important. In 1816, people like Jean Joseph Amable Humbert and Henry Perry had camps here. Francisco Xavier Mina also built earthworks, which are like small forts made of dirt.
In 1818, a man named Dr. James Long led 300 men. They tried to free Spanish Texas. He built a fort called Fort Las Casas in 1819. His wife, Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long, stayed here during a tough winter. She gave birth to a daughter and became known as "The Mother of Texas."
Later, in 1838, a settlement started here. It grew into what is now Port Bolivar. The original Fort Travis was actually in a different spot, on Galveston Island. The land where Fort Travis stands today was once a Confederate fort during the American Civil War.
The Bolivar Point Lighthouse
In 1872, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse was built. It stands north of Fort Travis. Lighthouses help ships find their way safely.
Building the Fort
Construction on Fort Travis began on April 8, 1898. It was finished in October 1899. The fort was named after William B. Travis, a hero from the Texas Revolution. The government bought 97 acres of land for the fort.
After the terrible 1900 Galveston hurricane, a tall seawall was built. This wall was 17 feet high. It helped protect the fort from future storms. More parts of the fort were added later. Battery Kimball was built in 1925. Battery No. 236 was finished in 1943.
Powerful Guns and Batteries
Fort Travis had very powerful guns. These guns were placed in special areas called batteries. Each battery was named after a brave soldier.
Battery Davis
Battery Davis was built in 1898. It was named after Lieutenant Thomas Davis. He died in 1847 during the Mexican–American War. This battery had two large eight-inch guns. These guns could disappear into the ground after firing.
Battery Ernst
Battery Ernst was also built in 1898. It was named after Lieutenant Rudolph Ernst, who also died in the Mexican-American War. This battery had three guns on pedestals. It also had searchlights to spot enemy ships at night.
Battery Kimble
Battery Kimble was built between 1917 and 1922. It was named after Major Edwin R. Kimble, who died during World War I. This battery had huge twelve-inch guns. These guns could shoot targets up to 17 miles away!
Battery 236
Battery 236 was built when World War II started. It had two six-inch guns. These guns were inside a strong concrete building called a casement. This building also held a power plant, ammunition storage, and rooms for the soldiers. During World War II, about 2,500 soldiers were stationed at Fort Travis.
From Fort to Fun Park
In 1949, the fort was no longer needed by the military. It was sold off. Then, in 1973, Galveston County bought the land. They wanted to turn it into a public park.
Today, Fort Travis Seashore Park is managed by the Galveston County Department of Parks & Cultural Services. It has many cool things for visitors. You can find picnic areas, camping spots, and even places to watch birds in the wetlands. It's a great place to explore history and enjoy nature!
National Recognition
Fort Travis is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on March 30, 2006. It means the site is recognized for its historical value.
