Houston Hidden Gem: San Jacinto Monument 🗽😲

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site 🏞️📜 The tallest monument in the United States, towering 15 feet above the Washington Monument, and the tallest stone column in the world, stands in a remote suburb surrounded by nothing but wilderness and chemical plants. 🌾🏭 The grandeur of the structure contrasts starkly with its desolate surroundings, evoking an eerie vibe of ancient battlefields. 🏛️👀 Construction of the monument began in 1936, marking the 100th anniversary of Texas's independence, to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto. This decisive 18-minute battle sealed Texas's fate as an independent nation, breaking away from Mexico. ⚔️🗓️ Admission is $14, with no student discounts (but senior and child tickets are available). The ticket includes access to the museum and observation deck. The museum showcases historical artifacts from Houston, including weapons and relics from the battlefield. The observation deck, however, is a bit underwhelming—given the desolate landscape, there's really no pressing need to ascend. The space is limited, the glass is thick, and you even have to pay extra to use their telescope. 🔭💸 But here's the silver lining: you can snap a photo of Houston's port and downtown skyline in one frame. The juxtaposition of the heavy industrial base and the cluster of skyscrapers creates a surreal sight. In person, it looks like P3, but with a telephoto lens, you're guaranteed some stunning shots. 📸🌆 Nearby, the Lynchburg Ferry offers a free ride—it's the shortest and smallest ferry I've ever been on, carrying fewer than ten cars per trip. It takes about five minutes to reach the other side. Once across, you can quickly hop onto I-10 and maybe even fuel up with some (perhaps freshly refined) Shell gasoline—it packs a punch! ⛽🚗 #Houston #USTravel #HoustonDayTrips 🌍🗺️🎒