The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees is set to resume discussions about the permanent home for the historic Battleship Texas, following a pause in year-long negotiations. The ship, a veteran of both World Wars, currently sits at the Gulf Copper Shipyard after $21 million in repairs.
As the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees plans a special meeting to begin conversations on the vessel's permanent home, the iconic Battleship Texas's destiny takes the stage again. This follows weeks after the board stopped year-long negotiations with the Battleship Texas Foundation.
Initially commissioned in 1914, Battleship Texas served thousands of sailors over its 34-year existence and was heavily involved in World Wars I and II. After $21 million worth of repairs and renovations over the previous two years, the ship now calls the Gulf Copper Shipyard on Pelican Island, Galveston home.
Parked initially in the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site for more than 70 years, the foundation suggested moving the ship to Pier 20 at the Port of Galveston. To keep the ship, local business owners, including Derrick Gutierrez of Katie's Seafood House, voiced worries about restricted views and the sustainability of ticket sales. "One poor year of ticket sales and you cannot afford maintenance on a ship in the channel," Gutierrez said.
In August the board decided 4-2 to relocate the ship to Pier 20 despite these reservations. Trustees who object to the proposed location suggest other options westward. The board agreed unanimously to stop negotiations on October 22, but it has now asked for a special meeting on November 13 in order to maybe come to an agreement.
With tours starting on November 24 and a planned grand reopening in late 2025, the Battleship Texas Foundation keeps up restoration work.
