Elissa

Elissa is an iron-hulled sailing ship measuring roughly 200 feet (61 meters) in length, moored at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston, United States. The vessel carries three masts with square rigging and still displays the tackle and fittings from the era of transatlantic merchant voyages.

The barque was built in Scotland in 1877 and sailed for decades under different flags between Europe, America, and Africa. The Galveston Historical Foundation rescued her from a Greek scrapyard in 1978 and restored her over several years of work.

The barque takes her name from the legendary Phoenician princess who founded Carthage in ancient lore. Today she serves as a floating school where volunteers and visitors can experience 19th-century seamanship techniques and feel what it meant to work under sail.

Access to the vessel is via a gangway, and visitors can explore the deck as well as parts of the lower levels. The tour involves climbing stairs, so be prepared to walk steadily and wear comfortable footwear.

Only three barques of this type worldwide still retain the ability to sail under their own canvas. On certain days she actually takes to the water and leaves the harbor under full sail, allowing visitors to see the vessel in action.

Location: Galveston

Location: Galveston County

Length: 61.4 m

Address: Seawolf Park

Website: http://galvestonhistory.org/attractions/maritime-heritage/1877-tall-ship-elissa-3

GPS coordinates: 29.30940,-94.79360

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29