The Tallest Column Of Its Kind In The World is Here in Texas

If you've ever visited the San Jacinto Monument in Houston, TX, there's a good chance you know this fun Texas fact. Completed in 1939, located along the Houston Ship Channel in La Porte, it is, in fact, taller than the much more famous Washington Monument located in our nation's capital.

The Monument is the tallest masonry column in the world. It is more than 12 feet taller that the Washington Monument. It weights approximately 70 million pounds. The star atop the Monument, which symbolizes the Lone Star State, is 34 feet tall and weighs approximately 220 tons," this according to the San Jacinto Museum.

 

The Washington Monument, which is also an obelisk-shaped building, was built to commemorate George Washington, a Founding Father of the United States. The San Jacinto Monument, however, was built to honor those who fought for Texas's independence.

The Texas monument was built as a "New Deal Project between 1936 and 1939 to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas's independence." And yes, because everything is bigger in Texas, ours is beautifully 567 feet tall, which is about15 feet higher than the the shrimpy one up in D.C.

From Houstonian Mag, "Built on the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive confrontation in the Texas Revolution, Houston’s own obelisk-like monument needed the extra 11 feet to accommodate the memory of all 800 army members and their esteemed leader, General Sam Houston."

You can visit it. The massive monument is twenty minutes from downtown Houston, and from "hiking trails, to some of the Gulf Coast’s best birding, and whether you are entertaining guests, chaperoning a fieldtrip or just spending time with your family, a visit to the museum is an experience to remember."

Items That Are Now Illegal To Throw Away In Texas

You're likely aware that discarding tires and paint in the trash could potentially catch you a case, but a few things on our list may surprise you.

Dangerous, Exotic Animals You Can Now Legally Own in Texas

Texas has an estimated 7.2 million dogs, more than any other state. But perhaps you’re interested in branching out a bit and adding a less common exotic pet to your home.

Granted a few of these exotics are regulated and will require permits.