Parade of Sail Reservation On The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

On July 4, 2026., Sail 4th 250 will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world, creating a majestic nautical spectacle and an unforgettable once-in-a-generation event on land, sea, and air. Across the region, a rich tapestry of events, festivities, and celebrations will unfold—honoring our shared history while educating, entertaining, and uniting communities.

The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA sets sail for New York City as part of her Sail 250 voyage, marking a meaningful return to a port she has visited before, once in 1887 and again in 1986. This historic arrival offers a rare opportunity to experience a living piece of maritime heritage up close, with deck tours inviting visitors on board to explore her craftsmanship, stories, and enduring legacy.

It’s your opportunity to step on board the Official Tall Ship of Texas with a reservation to participate in the festival’s parade of sail kick-off. Don’t miss out on this history-making moment! Your ticket directly supports this historic vessel and its maritime history programming.

SAILING DETAILS COMING SOON!

ABOUT THE 1877 TALL SHIP ELISSA, THE OFFICIAL TALL SHIP OF TEXAS | Galveston Historical Foundation brought ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, GHF staff and volunteers completed restoration and transformed this rare, historic vessel into a floating museum that would actively sail. Today, the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail and welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. She also serves as the Official Tall Ship of Texas, a National Historic Landmark, and a symbol of the Gulf Coast’s historic beginnings as a seaport and active waterfront.

ABOUT GALVESTON 250 | As part of Galveston 250’s voyage, ELISSA will make strategic port calls en route to Sail 250 celebrations, engaging a series of high-visibility maritime markets. ELISSA’s presence at Sail 250 not only elevates Galveston’s national profile during this milestone celebration, but also reinforces the importance of preserving authentic historic vessels as active, experiential storytellers—linking past innovation, resilience, and international exchange port celebration audiences.

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Host or Publisher Galveston Historical Foundation