🏟😅 San Jacinto Monument Overlooking Houston's Port & Refinery Zone

📍 San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site This 173-meter-tall monument is crowned with a 220-ton 3D star 🌟, commemorating the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto—the decisive battle that secured Texas's independence from Mexico, led by General Sam Houston himself. The official website proudly boasts that it’s the tallest monumental column in the world, towering 12 feet taller than the Washington Monument (true to Texas’s motto: "Everything’s bigger in Texas!" 🤣). Admission for adults is $14. At the base, you’ll find a museum and a theater, both dedicated to the battle’s history. Take the elevator straight to the top for a panoramic view of Houston’s bay area (and the ship channel’s mouth). From the observation deck, you can gaze out over one of the world’s largest petroleum refining zones 🛢️ and one of the busiest ports globally 🚢. Nearby, there’s the Lynchburg Ferry ⛴️. The ferry landing has a small park and a family-friendly restaurant where you can kick back, watch the ships, and enjoy the sea breeze (but beware of the mosquitoes—they’re relentless! ⚠️). #Houston #Oil #PortLife 🌊🚀