Historic Galveston ship to sail for America 250

A historic tall ship, nearly 150 years old, is set to embark on a journey from the Texas coast to  New York Harbor this summer, marking an important addition to the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The historic Elissa, a square-rigged iron barque and floating museum located in Galveston, is set to embark on a voyage in mid-May. This journey will culminate in celebrations for the Fourth of July in New York City, as part of the Sail250 event.

The Elissa, owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation, stands out as one of only two vessels of its age and type that continue to sail actively, as stated by Will Wright, the foundation’s creative director.

Wright stated, “It’s one of only two that still actively sail in the world of this kind of age and type.”

The Elissa, constructed in 1877, played a significant role in maritime trade, transporting cargo such as cotton and bananas to and from Galveston during the late 19th century. Wright reported that a significant portion of the vessel's original hull is still intact, thereby maintaining its historic integrity.

In the late 1970s, a foundation acquired a ship in Greece that was set for demolition, subsequently transporting it to Texas in 1979 as a component of an extensive waterfront revitalization initiative.

“They sought a connection that linked Galveston to its rich maritime history,” Wright stated. Authorities discovered Elissa in Greece, where plans for its demolition were already in place.

Volunteers actively maintain the ship year-round, preparing it for day sails each spring. “Elissa continues to be sailed in a traditional manner,” Wright stated.

The upcoming voyage north is poised to be the longest recently, garnering significant national attention. Marty Miles, serving as the interim CEO of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, announced that the ship is set to navigate the Hudson River and will be featured in the televised Independence Day festivities.

“We will be broadcasting live on television as we embark on a spectacular journey up the Hudson River into New York Harbor, complete with fireworks,” Miles stated.

Miles has projected that the park board is set to allocate between $600,000 and $750,000 from reserve funds to address expenses related to staffing, food, and promotional activities. The trip is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million through various channels, including sponsorships, appearance fees, and ticketed sailing opportunities. Any surplus revenue will be distributed among the foundation, the park board, and the City of Galveston.

On January 22, the Galveston City Council granted approval for the final funding.

The Elissa has the capacity to accommodate as many as 50 crew members and volunteers throughout the duration of the voyage. Wright referred to it as their “home away from home.”

The vessel is set to make stops in Florida and South Carolina prior to its arrival in New York, with a planned return to Galveston scheduled for late August.