Houston – A Texas icon is preparing for a once-in-a-generation voyage. The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, will depart Galveston this summer to join Sail 250 in New York Harbor as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The historic vessel will travel more than 2,500 miles along the East Coast, making stops in Pensacola, Savannah, Yorktown, Portsmouth, New York City, and Boston before returning home to Galveston.
Built in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1877, ELISSA is one of the few authentic 19th-century tall ships still sailing today. Unlike many ships featured at waterfront festivals, ELISSA is not a replica. The vessel spent nearly 90 years carrying cargo around the world before being rescued from a scrapyard in Greece by preservationists from the Galveston Historical Foundation.
Today, the National Historic Landmark serves as a living classroom for maritime history, immigration stories, and traditional seamanship. Operated by the Galveston Historical Foundation, ELISSA continues to sail annually with the help of trained volunteers and crew members dedicated to preserving the historic ship for future generations.
During the voyage, visitors in multiple cities will have opportunities to experience public deck tours, sailing events, and waterfront celebrations connected to the Sail 250 festivities.
More information about tours, tickets, and the voyage schedule can be found at Galveston250.com