Join us for a remarkable day of discovery as we explore the San Jacinto Monument—the tallest war memorial in the world—commemorating the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto, where General Sam Houston’s victory on April 21, 1836 secured Texas’s independence and laid the foundation for its eventual statehood.
Led by Ambassador Chase Untermeyer, our journey begins promptly at 9:00 AM, departing from WIH aboard a comfortable coach. Upon arrival at the Monument, we’ll begin our exploration with a walk around the base of the 567-foot structure. Here, a series of dramatic Art Moderne friezes depict key scenes from the Texas War of Independence, while inscriptions on the octagonal base capture the entire saga in under 600 words—succinct yet powerful.
We’ll then step inside the Jesse H. Jones Theatre for Texas Studies, where you’ll enjoy a compelling 35-minute film, Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto. This cinematic experience transports viewers from the earliest Spanish settlements to the decisive 18-minute clash that changed the course of American history.
Our guided tour through the Monument’s museum will introduce you to the heroes of the San Jacinto battle and the visionary leaders who made the Monument a reality. For those seeking a bird’s-eye view, an optional elevator ride to the Observation Deck, perched over 400 feet above the battlefield, offers sweeping views of the historic site and surrounding landscape.
Next, we’ll head to The Monument Inn for a delicious prix fixe lunch, complete with your choice of entrée. While dining, enjoy sweeping views of the Houston Ship Channel, America’s busiest waterway. Watch as colossal international vessels navigate this industrial marvel, a testament to Houston’s global economic stature.
After lunch, we return to the battlegrounds for a one-hour, expert-led bus tour of the San Jacinto battlefield. This immersive experience will bring to life the 18-minute conflict that reshaped the American West and led to Mexico ceding vast territories to the United States.
If time and interest allow, we’ll cap off our day with a visit to the Marsh Restoration and Boardwalk. Spanning 1,210 feet, this scenic trail offers a glimpse of the landscape as it looked in 1836—complete with native prairie, tidal marsh, and bottomland forest. Bring your binoculars and cameras to spot wildlife including roseate spoonbills, ospreys, white pelicans, and perhaps even a river otter.
This unforgettable day at the San Jacinto Monument blends history, nature, and Texas pride in one enriching experience.
If everything goes to plan, we should be back at WIH around 5:00 PM.
Friday, December 5 | Departure from WIH at 9:00 AM
In person | Rain or Shine
Price includes all admission fees, lunch, tour guides, and shuttle service. Bring cash or credit card for visiting the gift shop if you desire.
