The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site holds a significant responsibility to preserve the proud history of the State of Texas and the United States. The famous Battle of San Jacinto that brought TEXAS its independence was fought on this site. Because of the great importance of the Battle to the course of history, the Battleground is of state, national and international significance, a fact that is attested to by the site's National Historic Landmark status.

The primary purpose of the 1,200-acre site is to commemorate the Battle and to preserve the Battleground on which Texian troops under General Sam Houston achieved the independence of Texas by defeating a Mexican Army led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836.  Also on the grounds is the Battleship USS Texas.

3523 Battleground Road.  LaPorte, Texas  77571.  San Jacinto Battleground Museum (in the Monument)

Located 19 miles east of downtown Houston.  Take Beltway 8 or Loop 610 to Hiway 225 East (Texas Independence Trail).  Exit Battleground Road (Hiway 134) and turn left (north).  Follow the signs to the San Jacinto Monument and Museum.  You can't miss the monument; it is the only big, tall obelisk in the area!  :)

Any time the monument is open, up to approximately 2 hours before the museum closes.  The walk must be completed during daylight hours.  The battleground site hours of operation are daily from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.; the museum is open from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.

One IVV event credit per the first six months of the year (before July 01) and a second credit for the last six months (after June 30). There are no limits to the distance credits you can earn, but $3.00 must be paid each time the course is walked for credit except that a trail may be walked twice on the same day for one fee.

The 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) trail (rating = 1+) winds throughout the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and past the famous Battleship TEXAS, the last of the dreadnaught class, commissioned in 1914.  The trail continues through De Zavalla Plaza, site of many historic markers and graves of patriots that fought the battle of San Jacinto.  You will pass the site where Santa Anna surrendered to the wounded San Houston. The trail goes to the San Jacinto Monument, the world's tallest memorial tower, rising 520 feet above the battleground.  You will walk on a boardwalk that extends into the marshes along the Houston Ship Channel and the park.  From the trail, you will have the opportunity to see many species of water fowl, shore, and marsh birds.  The trail is mostly along park roads; however, some of the walk will be over grassy fields.  The trail is suitable for big wheeled strollers but wheelchairs would have to use alternate routes in places.  The route is not marked but participants will receive a map with detailed instructions.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS         MUSEUMS

Water and restrooms are available inside the east side of the monument and at points within the park.  Food and beverages are available for purchase at the snack bar beside the Battleship TEXAS.

There is no pre-registration.  The start/finish functions will be self-service, on the honor system.  The fees are:  Award & IVV credit: $7.00;  IVV credit only:  $3.00;  Non-IVV participant:  free

Contact:

Daralyn & Ken Schubert, (281) 324-1573, e-mail:  hhhsanjacyre (at) houstonhappyhikers (dot) org

Battleground: