San Jacinto Battleground disappointment

Dickinson, Texas
Green Caye RV Park

Since we were close to the San Jacinto Battleground, we decided to go visit it today.  Thank you again, Janet Newman for suggesting we stay in such a convenient location as Dickinson.

I was so disappointed in this Texas Historical Site.  I read on the internet that there is a monument that is 570 feet tall.  This should have been a really good adventure.  Don't get me wrong, it was okay but given the proximity to Houston and the number of people who visit this versus the Fannin Battleground this should have been a much better experience.  Fannin was much nicer and it was free.

It was impressive when you first see the monument.

I wanted to go easy on my foot as it had swollen a little yesterday from all the steps we climbed.  I had read that there is an elevator to the top so that wouldn't be a problem.

Just a few more steps I kept telling myself.  There wasn't a railing to help.

On the outside of the monument wall it read, "measured by its results, San Jacinto was one of the decisive battles of the world.  The freedom of Texas from Mexico won here, led to annexation and to the Mexican War, resulting in the acquisition by the United States of the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma almost one-third of the present area of the American nation, nearly a million square miles of territory, changed sovereignty."

Knowing how much Bill loves history we bought a combo ticket which included the ride in the elevator to the top of the monument, a video and the museum.

We started in the museum as it was 10 minutes until the video started.  I was finished with the museum before the ten minutes were up.  Everything in the museum was inside glass showcases.  It had page size plaques everywhere.  If you didn't read those, there wasn't much in the museum.   The lighting was horrible and you'd have to sit on the floor to read the ones near the bottom.  The glare on the glass didn't help.  

We were the only two people in the theater.  I must say the video was well done and really explained the how and why of the battle.  

It took 37 seconds to ascend the 489 feet to the observation area below the star.  It consisted of a change machine and coin operated binoculars.  You couldn't even go all the way around.  There were a few windows but no information on what you saw.  

Here's the view from one window.

Here's a view of the reflection water and the battleship.

This could have been so much better.

This timeline was the best thing in the museum.

I couldn't get this in one photo.  I needed my brother in law around to put the two photos together.

Don't waste your money on this battleground.  

It was windy and at least the six flags that have flown over Texas looked nice.

I might also mention that there were no brochures given out.  I will say they could have spent less money on running the air conditioner and more money on making it a better experience for people.  The elevator operator didn't say a word, just sat on his chair and played with his cell phone.

We rode over to the Texan Battleship and when I found out that it wasn't wheel chair accessible except on the main deck, I decided to pass on it.  I didn't want to be climbing on any more steps or ladders.  After spending $21 to visit the monument, I didn't even ask what it costs to tour the ship.  

It was a big disappointment but one of those places we wanted to see.  We at least went, and while it wasn't a great experience, at least we did see it.  

We're headed out tomorrow and leaving this state behind. Looking forward to tomorrow as we'll see some friends along the way. 

Turtle Safely.......