After years of debate and anticipation, the iconic Battleship Texas has secured its future home in Galveston. The historic warship is now set to dock at Pier 15, with restoration work ongoing and public reopening expected in 2026.
On Tuesday, the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees concluded a long-anticipated lease agreement with the Battleship Texas Foundation, designating Pier 15 as the permanent berth for the iconic warship.
The decision concludes a two-year quest for a docking location following the ship's relocation from its longstanding position near the San Jacinto Monument in 2022 for significant repairs. The foundation states that the lease approval paves the way for the final phase of planning to bring the only surviving battleship that served in both World Wars to its new home on Galveston’s harborfront.
“We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Galveston Wharves Board, designating Pier 15 as the new home for the Battleship Texas,” stated Tony Gregory, executive director of the Battleship Texas Foundation. “As restoration work progresses throughout the channel, we eagerly anticipate relocating her next year and advancing our mission to establish a premier historic destination.”
The ship is currently undergoing restoration at Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair and is not open to the public. However, the vessel will occasionally offer limited specialty tours, such as this summer's Normandy Tours, with advance announcements. The complete reopening is scheduled for 2026.
The upcoming steps for the relocation involve designing a mooring system, dredging the pier area, and obtaining federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
For Galveston, obtaining the historic vessel represents a significant cultural and economic achievement. “The Battleship Texas—America’s last surviving battleship to serve in both World War I and World War II—stands as a significant emblem of our nation’s history,” Gregory added.
The foundation considers it a genuine privilege to have the Battleship permanently berthed in Galveston.
