Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

Imagine a majestic three-masted iron barque that roamed the oceans as far back as the Victorian era. The Galveston Historical Seaport — 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA is a unique floating museum located in Galveston, USA. This is no mere replica, but an authentic historic vessel launched in Scotland over 140 years ago and miraculously saved from destruction.

Today, the Elissa is the official Tall Ship of Texas and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. She is one of the few ships of her kind in the world that remains seaworthy and takes to the sea under sail every year. Visitors can step on board to experience the atmosphere of 19th-century maritime adventure and see what life was like for sailors of that time.

In addition to the ship itself, the complex includes the Texas Seaport Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits about Galveston's role as the "Southern Gateway" for immigrants. In the 19th century, this city was the second most important port in the United States after New York, and the sailing ship Elissa serves as a living symbol of that great era of maritime trade and mass migration.

To plan your visit or inquire for more details, you can use the following contact information for the historical seaport:

The highlight of any visit is the opportunity to climb aboard the legendary Elissa. You are free to explore the ship's decks, head down into the berthing area where the sailors rested, and peek into the elegant Captain's cabin. While examining the complex rigging system and massive wooden wheels, it is easy to imagine yourself as part of a round-the-world voyage from a century ago.

Be sure to try the Ship to Shore interactive experience. This exhibit allows you to literally follow in the footsteps of immigrants arriving in Galveston in the late 19th century: you will learn their personal stories, see the belongings they brought with them, and understand what the sea crossing was like at that time. The seaport museum also houses a rich collection of ship models and artifacts recovered from the bottom of the bay.

If you are lucky enough to be here in the spring, you might have a unique chance to see the Elissa in action. During this time of year, the ship often makes training sails into the Gulf of Mexico. Even if you stay on shore, the sight of her sails fully unfurled against the horizon is a memory that will last a lifetime. For the most enthusiastic visitors, there are demonstrations by volunteers showing how to properly tie nautical knots and manage the heavy yards.

The historical seaport is located at Pier 22 Suite 8. If you are already in downtown Galveston, getting to the sailing ship is easy: it is just a 10–15 minute walk from the famous Strand historic district to the pier. It is a pleasant stroll along the waterfront where you can enjoy the sea breeze.

For those traveling from Houston, the drive takes about an hour. The main route follows I-45 South all the way to the island. Visitor parking is available near the port. You can also use public transportation, such as intercity buses or the famous Galveston Island Trolley, which runs between major tourist spots.

If your trip involves a cruise, the ELISSA is located just a couple of kilometers from the main cruise terminals. You can reach the site by taxi or Uber, which takes no more than 5–10 minutes from most beachfront hotels.

The ship's history began in 1877 at the Alexander Hall and Company shipyard in Aberdeen, Scotland. The owner, English merchant Henry Fowler Watt, named the vessel after his niece (or, according to another version, after the legendary founder of Carthage). The Elissa made her maiden voyage from Wales to Brazil carrying coal, and in the following decades, she roamed the oceans as a "tramp" trader, calling at the world's major ports.

Throughout her long life, the ship changed many names and flags, serving under British, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Greek colors. In the early 20th century, the vessel was modernized with an engine and a change in her rig. It seemed the era of majestic sailing ships had passed forever, and by the 1970s, the semi-derelict hull was awaiting the scrap yard in the Greek port of Piraeus.

Salvation came in the form of archaeologist Peter Throckmorton and the Galveston Historical Foundation. The organization purchased the ship for $40,000 in 1978. The restoration process was monumental: volunteers and craftsmen restored the masts, rigging, and deck, investing millions of dollars to return the Elissa to her original 1877 appearance.

In 1990, the sailing ship was officially designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Today, she is more than just a museum exhibit; she is a living vessel that regularly takes to the sea. The Elissa is the official Tall Ship of Texas and is one of the oldest active sailing vessels in the world.

To comfortably tour the sailing ship and the adjacent museum, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll across the Elissa's decks, peek into the crew’s quarters, and explore the exhibits in the seaport building.

If you decide to participate in special immersive programs or if your visit coincides with the spring sailing season, plan to spend about half a day (4 to 6 hours) here. Keep in mind that there may be more visitors on weekends, so it is worth allowing extra time for photos and relaxing by the water.

The historical seaport and the tall ship Elissa welcome guests daily. The operating schedule remains consistent throughout the week:

• Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that hours of operation may change slightly on holidays or during special maritime festivals. It is recommended to check the official website for current information before your visit, especially if you plan to see the vessel during its spring training sails.

The historical seaport's location in the heart of the tourist zone makes it easy to combine a visit to the sailing ship with other iconic city landmarks. Exploring the area around Pier 22 will help you get a better feel for the island's unique atmosphere and rich architecture.