Historic Fort Travis gets a face lift. Take a look at the Bolivar Peninsula sentry then and now

>>>Check out some of the old photos of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Peninsula, as well as images of the site post-renovations. >>>Check out some of the old photos of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Peninsula, as well as images of the site post-renovations. Photo: E. Joe Deering, Houston Chronicle Photo: E. Joe Deering, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close Historic Fort Travis gets a face lift. Take a look at the Bolivar Peninsula sentry then and now 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

It's been over 10 years since Hurricane Ike slammed Texas shores, bringing 18 to 20 feet of storm surges to the Bolivar Peninsula and Fort Travis.

The storm, which started on Sept. 13, 2008, it damaged more than 3,000 feet of promenade, many of the park's culverts and roads. It also dropped storm debris into the bunkers.

So, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decided to help to restore damaged historic properties and hopes to limit any potential damage from storms in the coming years.

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The renovations have been taking place since 2015, and some locations in and around finally re-opened a little over a month ago. Members of the Galveston County Historical Commission even helped to give tours on opening day.

The Commission's chairman, Ralph Stenzel, told reporters that an estimated 40 volunteers assisted with renovations.

Fort Travis, which is located near the Port Bolivar lighthouse, was built on federal property in 1898.

During World War I it was used as an artillery training center. In World War II it served as a lookout to protect the Houston Ship Channel. German U-boats were patrolling the Gulf of Mexico looking to sink tankers and supply ships.

Above you can check out some of the old photos of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Peninsula, as well as images of the site post-renovations.

Peter Dawson is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | Peter.Dawson@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts