In recent weeks, various media outlets reported that the Galveston Wharves Board faced challenges in reaching an agreement with the Battleship Texas Foundation regarding the relocation of the historic ship. Headlines used terms like “sink” and “homeless,” suggesting that the board was abandoning plans to secure a permanent home for the iconic vessel.
Previously, the Wharves Board had considered a site along the Galveston Channel and Harborside Drive, conveniently located near the island's cruise terminals, Historic Seaport, and a variety of restaurants.
At a Wharves Board meeting on November 4, board members addressed what they termed misinformation circulating in the media. They sought to reaffirm the negotiation process and announced the formation of a new ad-hoc committee dedicated to securing a future home for the ship. The board unanimously voted to continue negotiations with the Battleship Texas Foundation, with Chairman Victor Pierson appointing three trustees to the committee: Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, Vice Chairman Jeff Patterson, and Richard Moore Yarbrough. This committee will explore potential locations for the battleship across port property in Galveston.
1 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1
2 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2
3 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 3
4 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 4
5 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 5
6 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 6
7 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 7
8 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 8
9 of 9
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 9
One proposed site, located along Piers 19-21 near Katie’s Seafood House, Landry's-owned Harbor House, and Willie G’s Seafood and Steaks restaurant, has drawn criticism from various stakeholders. The plan involves collaboration among Landry's Inc., the Battleship Texas Foundation, and the Galveston Wharves to maintain the 573-foot ship as a tourist attraction and museum. However, owners of Katie's Seafood Restaurant at Pier 19, including Buddy Guindon, a former marine, and Director of Operations Derrick Gutierrez, also a veteran, have voiced strong opposition to the deal. They expressed their desire for the battleship to remain in Galveston but raised concerns that it should be displayed at a more suitable location along the port. Guindon and Gutierrez reiterated their worries that the battleship's presence would not only obstruct their restaurant's view of the water, but also pose a potential emergency hazard during hurricane events or through future aging of the ship’s hull in salt water.
In response to these concerns, the restaurant initiated a petition in late May urging officials to reconsider the plan. The petition has gained over 2,700 signatures, reflecting significant community support. The restaurant owners highlighted ongoing issues such as flooding and a downturn in the Galveston economy, expressing that the battleship's positioning would detract from their business by blocking the scenic views of the bay that customers currently enjoy while dining. They further raised concerns about the adequacy of the ship's mooring amidst active port traffic, which includes passenger cruise ships, and the potential safety risks in the event of a hurricane.
Katie’s Seafood has received some backlash from portions of the local community for its opposition to the battleship’s proposed location, highlighting the divided opinions regarding the ship’s future.
The Battleship Texas is a cherished symbol for many Houstonians, having served in both World War I and II before being turned over to the State of Texas on April 21, 1948, as a permanent museum ship in Houston. In late 2022, the battleship was moved to dry dock in Galveston for extensive renovations, with plans to establish a permanent location for the ship in the Port of Galveston.
As discussions continue regarding the ship's future location post-renovation, the Battleship Texas remains under the jurisdiction of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with day-to-day operations managed by the Battleship Texas Foundation. The newly formed committee is set to reinvigorate efforts to find an appropriate home for this historic vessel.
