Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites Sabine Pass Battleground State Park statue

This park has been affected by Hurricane Rita and is temporarily closed for repairs.

Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park, a 57.6-acre park located in Jefferson County, was acquired by deed of purchase from Kountze County Trust in 1972 and opened in 1974.

During the Civil War, Sabine Pass became a major center for the shipment and trade of cotton in exchange for vital supplies, arms, and medicine for the Confederate Army. Union ships attempted to blockade harbors and disrupt shipments along the Gulf Coast. Lt. Richard W. Dowling, with a small Confederate force, repelled an attempted 1863 invasion of Texas by Union naval gunboats convoying Union soldiers at Sabine Pass near Port Arthur during the Civil War. This small but determined band won their place of honor in Texas and Civil War History.

Attractions - Facilities include campsites with water and electricity; primitive campsites; picnic sites with tables, and grills; a historic monument; an interpretive pavilion; and restrooms without showers. A boat ramp provides access to Sabine Lake to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. There is a 1/4-mile waterfront for fishing and crabbing.

Nearby state parks include Sea Rim, Galveston Island, and Village Creek State Parks; and J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. East of Port Arthur, via the MLK Bridge, Pleasure Island provides a sailboat marina, and fishing levees. McFadden National Wildlife Refuge; Big Thicket National Preserve; and Gladys City, an oil boom town reconstructed to show life in the Spindle Top oil field days might also be of interest.

No entrance fees; camping fees are collected by an honor box. For more details, call Sea Rim State Park; for information on other state parks, call Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - Recreation includes, camping, picnicking, fishing and viewing interpetive sites.

Climate - Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park is located at elevations ranging from 3 to 42 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January low of 42 degrees and a July average high of 93 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 52.8 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park is situated within the Gulf Coast region of Texas. The park is located 1.5 miles south of the City of Sabine Pass on Dowlen Road and 15 miles south of Port Arthur via State Highway 87. State Highway 87 is closed between Sea Rim and High Island.