Fort Travis, Texas — History & Visitor Guide

Fort Travis (Port Bolivar, Galveston County, Texas)

Port Bolivar, Galveston County · Texas · Spanish-American War era / World War II

Quick BriefFort Travis, established on Bolivar Peninsula in 1898 as the federal government purchased ninety-seven acres for $36,000, served as a coastal artillery defense post guarding the entrance to Galveston Harbor. Federal construction began in 1898 and was turned over to the coast artillery on October 25, 1899. The fort was occupied by troops in both world wars, and German prisoners of war were interned there during World War II.

Endicott SystemCoastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

The federal government purchased a ninety-seven-acre site on the southern end of Bolivar Peninsula in 1898 for $36,000. Federal construction began in 1898 and ended in 1943, with the fort turned over to the coast artillery on October 25, 1899.

The fort was defended by four batteries: Ernst and Davis completed in 1898; Kimball in 1925; and No. 236 finished in 1943, with firepower ranging from two twelve-inch guns mounted on barbette carriages to three-inch rapid-fire guns. After the Galveston hurricane of 1900, a seventeen-foot seawall was constructed on the Gulf side of the fort.

During the ensuing five years, the Army Corps of Engineers spent about one million dollars to rebuild Fort Travis. Fort Travis was occupied by troops in both world wars, and a number of German prisoners of war were interned there during World War II.

In 1949 the reservation was declared war surplus and sold to the M and M Building Corporation, with the stipulation that the former batteries would be made available to the public during hurricane emergencies, and in 1973 the Galveston County Commissioners Court purchased the site for a public park. 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.

🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Preserved concrete bunkers and gun platforms from Spanish-American War era construction
Coastal artillery fort defending Galveston Bay with WWI and WWII military history
Beach access and recreational amenities on Bolivar Peninsula
Original gun emplacements and fortification layout visible on grounds

Best time to visitFall (October-November) and spring (March-April) offer comfortable temperatures; summer brings Gulf Coast heat and humidity, while winter weather is generally mild but occasional.

Getting thereThe nearest major airport is Houston Hobby (HOU), approximately 45 miles northwest; the fort is accessible by car near Port Bolivar in Galveston County.

Fort Travis (Port Bolivar, Galveston County, Texas)

History & Significance

Key Facts

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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