About Post 490
American Legion South Houston Post 490 is located at 11702 Old Galveston Road, Houston, Texas — directly across from the main entrance to Ellington Field. Chartered as part of the 22nd District, 2nd Division, Department of Texas, Post 490 has grown into the largest American Legion post in Texas by membership, and one of the most active in the nation. For decades, our members — veterans of every era and branch of service — have gathered here to serve our community, honor our fallen, and support those still wearing the uniform.
We are currently rebuilding after a devastating post fire, but our mission has never wavered. Meetings continue at temporary locations, our programs are running strong, and the spirit of Post 490 is as resilient as ever. As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations to Post 490 are tax-deductible and go directly toward veterans' programs, community service, and rebuilding our home. The Comeback Is ALWAYS Stronger Than the Setback.
🏁 Our Veterans
Each month we provide food and haircut coupons to veterans at the VA Hospital. We host 25 to 30 VA patients at our monthly Steak Dinners, and donate time and funds to VA volunteer services. Our Service Officer provides guidance on veteran benefits and Houston-area military resources. We host special events honoring Ellington Field military personnel and send Care Packages to troops overseas.
🏠 Our Community
We provide holiday gifts to underprivileged children of veterans and meals to families in need. Post 490 contributes to the Special Olympics, South Houston Community Center, Jaycees of Clear Lake, and the USO at Ellington Field. Our American Legion Riders group funds programs for women in crisis and contributes to the Legacy Fund — scholarships for children of military personnel killed in action since 9/11. We also provide meeting space for community organizations throughout the year.
🎓 Children & Youth
Post 490 sponsors elementary schools in the South Houston community and presents school awards to students at all grade levels. We sponsor Boys State, conduct the American Legion Oratorical Contest, and award annual scholarships to Post members and their dependents through our scholarship program. Additional scholarship resources are available through Auxiliary Unit 490, Texas Boys State, ALA Girls State, and Legion national programs.
🎉 Post Events
Post 490 continues to observe key military ceremonies and community commemorations throughout the year — including Memorial Day Services, the Four Chaplains Ceremony, Veterans Day observances, POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Traditional on-site gatherings such as Cook-Offs, Steak Dinners, and social events are suspended during the fire recovery period and will return when our new post is complete.
🤝 Our Organizations
Post 490 is proud to host several affiliated organizations. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 490 supports veterans and military families with care packages, emergency assistance, and youth programs. Sons of the American Legion Squadron 490 carries on the legacy of service. Our American Legion Riders group participates in honor rides, fundraisers, and community events throughout the region.
🏭 Our Location
Post 490 sits across from the main entrance to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base — one of the nation's few joint-use military airfields, home to units of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, NASA, and the City of Houston. This proximity to Ellington gives Post 490 a unique connection to active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel and deepens our bond with the military community we serve.
11702 Old Galveston Road, Houston, TX 77034
Mailing: P.O. Box 1186, Friendswood, TX 77549
Current Legion Officers
American Legion South Houston Post 490 — Current Officer Roster
Become Part of the Family
Post 490 is more than an organization — it's a community of veterans, families, and neighbors bound by service and dedication. Whether you're a veteran looking to reconnect, a family member wanting to give back, or simply someone who believes in supporting those who served, there's a place for you here.