Fort Travis Seashore Park
Fort Travis Seashore Park sits on the western end of Bolivar Peninsula, near the ferry landing. Though some of its historic concrete bunkers remain, the park today is known for more than its military past. In 1961, during Hurricane Carla, local residents sought shelter here alongside their livestock, riding out the storm in the fort’s sturdy bunkers. Their stories of survival have become part of the area’s rich oral history.
Visitors to the park today enjoy exploring the historical sites, spacious picnic areas with benches and cooking facilities, and the wide, grassy fields ideal for relaxing. It’s a great spot to watch ships pass through Bolivar Roads en route to or from Houston and to end the day with a stunning sunset.
Bolivar Peninsula has long been a strategic site for fortifications. In 1816, Frances Xavier Mina, on an expedition for Spain, constructed an earthen levee here to protect himself and his men from the Karankawa Indians. These early defenses set the stage for the area’s military significance.
In 1818, Dr. James Long, his wife Jane, and 300 troops arrived in Texas, hoping to free it from Spanish rule. By 1820, Dr. Long had established his base of operations at Port Bolivar. He sought the help of famed pirate Jean Lafitte, who occupied nearby Galveston Island. However, Lafitte, known for his complicated allegiances, chose to remain uninvolved. Despite lacking support, Dr. Long set out to capture Presidio La Bahia, leaving his wife, child, and a few men to defend the fort in his absence.
The winter of 1821 was brutal, and Jane Long’s situation became increasingly dire. As men left the fort, Jane continued to fire a cannon each morning to signal that the fort was still defended. Her enemies were unclear—Spaniards, Mexicans, Lafitte’s pirates, or the Karankawas, a nomadic people with a fearsome reputation.
Though often described as savage cannibals, the Karankawas’ reputation is largely exaggerated. They were a tall, resilient people who used alligator grease and fish oil to ward off mosquitoes. While they did engage in ceremonial consumption of human flesh, it was not a regular practice.
Amid these hardships, Jane, only 20 years old, was pregnant with her third child. In December, during a storm, with supplies dwindling, she delivered her daughter Mary, the first child of English descent born in Texas. Because of her bravery, Jane Long earned the title “The Mother of Texas.” She stayed at the fort until July, when she finally received word of her husband’s death. Later in life, she ran a boarding house in Richmond, Texas.
During the Civil War, Fort Green occupied the site as a Confederate fortification.
The present-day Fort Travis was constructed in 1898 as part of federal efforts to develop the Port of Galveston. Completed in 1899, the fort sustained heavy damage during the catastrophic 1900 hurricane. Afterward, a 15-foot seawall was built to protect the fort. During World War I, Fort Travis was home to troops defending the Galveston area.
The fort was expanded in 1942 during World War II, accommodating up to 2,500 soldiers and housing various artillery, from anti-aircraft guns to long-range rifles. After the war, Fort Travis was decommissioned, dismantled, and in 1949, sold to private interests. In 1976, a grant from the Moody Foundation enabled the acquisition of the 60-acre site for public use, and today, it is managed by the Galveston County Beach and Parks Department.
Today, Fort Travis Seashore Park offers something for everyone. Its historic seawall, wide-open green spaces, winding roads lined with oleanders, and well-equipped playgrounds make it a family-friendly destination. Picnic tables, barbecue grills, and sweeping views of both the water and passing ships round out the park’s amenities, inviting visitors to relax, explore, and enjoy a piece of Texas history.
More information can be found at the link below.
SPONSORS
