SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A rare piece of maritime history is making its way to Savannah later this month.

The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, the Official Tall Ship of Texas and a National Historic Landmark, will dock along the River Street Waterfront July 24-26 as part of the national Sail250 tour. The visit marks the ship’s return to Savannah for the first time since 1894, giving visitors a chance to step aboard a vessel with nearly 150 years of history.

Visitors can take advantage of free deck tours each day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., exploring the ship’s craftsmanship, history and legacy as one of only three square-rigged iron barques in the world that still actively sail.

In addition to the tours, the weekend will feature special ticketed events, including Tall Ship Happy Hours on Friday and Sunday evenings and a Salute to Sunset Party on Saturday night with food, drinks and live entertainment.

ELISSA is making several port stops across the country while traveling to and from the America 250 celebration in New York Harbor. Other scheduled stops include New York, Boston and Pensacola.

Originally built in 1877, ELISSA was rescued from a scrapyard in Greece by the Galveston Historical Foundation in 1978 before being restored to active sailing status. Today, the vessel welcomes more than 40,000 visitors each year as a floating museum and educational attraction.

Ticket information for the evening events is available through the Galveston Historical Foundation here.

Event Details

Historic 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA Visit

• When: Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26
• Where: River Street Waterfront, 1 W. River St., Savannah
• Features: Free deck tours from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Tall Ship Happy Hours on Friday and Sunday evenings, Salute to Sunset Party on Saturday night, and a rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s last actively sailing square-rigged iron barques.