San Jacinto Monument, La Porte, Texas

Just east of Houston, the San Jacinto Monument commemorates the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texas Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. About 700 of the Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured, while only 9 Texans died. The monument, completed in 1939, is the world's tallest monumental column and is part of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. A small free ferry provides car access from the north. The 567-foot art deco tower made of Texas Cordova shellstone, is taller than the Washington Monument. The bronze doors which allow entry into the museum show the six flags of Texas. At the top of the monument is a 220-ton star, representing the Lone Star of Texas. The USS Texas battleship is nearby, the only surviving battleship that served in both World Wars.