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. Lowry. 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.
Erected 1996 by The City of Texas City: Charles T. Doyle, Mayor; Larry Edrozo, Mayor Pro Tem; Randy Distel; Connie Jackson; Carl Sullivan; Lynn Ray Ellison; H. Frank Simpson.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1996.
Location. 29°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
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. Ό mile away); Propeller of the SS Highflyer (approx. Ό 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.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old H. B. Moore Home (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
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
February 27, 2026
5. Anchor Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,204 times since then and 111 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2024, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, 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. 5. submitted on February 27, 2026. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
