Texas City in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Anchor Park
Photographed By Jim Evans, February 9, 2012
1. Anchor Park Marker
Dedicated in 1962 the site now called Anchor Park was the original idea of Charles Lowry, brother of long time Mayor Emmett F. Lowrey. After locating the anchor from the Grand Camp, Charles had the anchor moved to his shop by L.J. "Junior" Elgin. Former Mayor Jack Godard arranged for the anchor chain, and Emmett placed the forms and poured the concrete.
A formal dedication was held April 16, 1962 by Chamber President Stan Sheppard,Terminal Railway President Bill Wimberly, Mrs. Earl Noble, Rev. A. D. Bird and Charles Lowry. Former Mayer Curtis Trahan presented the anchor, which was accepted by Mayor Walter Holland.
"The presentation will not be for the purpose of awakening long dead and dismal thoughts but as a tribute to a great and growing metropolis with a bright future." (Quote from Dedication Program) This plaque was erected on April 16, 1996 following the removal of the old Holiday Inn in December, 1995 by Mayor Charles T. Doyle and the City Commission.
Charles T. Doyle, Mayor
Larry Edrozo, Mayor Pro Tem Randy Distel
Connie Jackson Carl Sullivan
Lynn Ray Ellison H. Frank Simpson
this page online
Erected 1996 by The City of Texas City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1996.
Location. 29° 23.563′ N, 94° 53.568′ W. Marker is in Texas City, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Dike Road and Bay Street North, on the left when traveling east on Dike Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Texas City TX 77590, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Anchor from Freighter Grand Camp (here, next to this marker); Texas City Dike (here, next to this marker); First Aero Squadron (here, next to this marker); The Texas City Disaster (approx. ¼ mile away); Propeller of the SS Highflyer (approx. ¼ mile away); William Jefferson Jones (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Austinia (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Bay Lake Ranch (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Texas City.
Regarding Anchor Park. The explosion of the Grand Camp, a ship carrying ammonium nitrate, in 1947 was the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history, and one of history's largest non-nuclear explosions.
Photographed By Jim Evans, February 9, 2012
2. An additional Anchor Park marker
Photographed By Jim Evans, February 9, 2012
3. Anchor Park and Markers
Photographed By Jim Evans, February 9, 2012
4. The Anchor
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 115 times this year. Last updated on May 26, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 4. submitted on February 18, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
