Ellis Island, located under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, served as the entry point for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. From 1892 to 1954, the U.S. Immigration Station on Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants, shaping the diverse cultural landscape of America. Today, this 27.5-acre island holds a significant yet complex place in American history. Here are five key facts that highlight its pivotal role.
An Island of Many Names
Before European settlers arrived in North America, the island was known as Kioshk or Gull Island by the Mohegan Indigenous peoples. In 1630, the Dutch purchased the island and named it Little Oyster Island due to its abundance of oysters. By the 1700s, the island had become a site for public executions, earning the grim nickname “Gibbet Island,” which refers to gallows. Over the years, it was also called Bucking Island, Dyre Island, and Anderson’s Island. The island’s name changed to Ellis Island in 1774 when Samuel Ellis, who owned a tavern on the island, purchased it. Following Ellis’ death in 1794, his family retained ownership until 1806, when the island was sold to John A. Berry. In 1808, Berry sold it to the U.S. government, marking the beginning of its role in American history.
The Immigration Process: A Half-Day of Hope and Fear
For many European immigrants, arriving at Ellis Island marked the start of a new life. Those who disembarked from their ships in good health and with proper documentation underwent a half-day inspection process. This included medical examinations, reading tests, and a series of questions about their background, such as whether they had family in America, had ever been imprisoned, or held anarchist beliefs. These inquiries were partly influenced by the rising fears of communism and anarchy in the United States at that time. While most immigrants passed through without issue, about 20% were detained for political, legal, or health reasons, and approximately 2% were sent back to their home countries.
A Record-Breaking Year in 1907
Ellis Island saw its busiest day on April 17, 1907, when 11,747 immigrants were processed. That year was the peak of activity for the immigration station, with over 1 million newcomers arriving in the United States. However, the flow of immigrants significantly declined after 1924, following the passage of the National Origins Act, which was part of the Immigration Act of 1924. This legislation imposed strict quotas on the number of immigrants allowed into the country, marking the end of Ellis Island’s golden era as an immigration hub.
Tracing the Roots of Nearly Half of America
A significant number of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island were from Southern and Eastern Europe, fleeing hardships such as poverty, religious persecution, and ethnic discrimination. Today, it is estimated that around 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to Ellis Island. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration offers visitors the opportunity to delve into their family histories at the Family History Center, providing a tangible connection to the island’s rich heritage.
A Unique Geographical Position
Ellis Island is uniquely situated in New York Harbor, lying between the states of New York and New Jersey. Despite being federally owned as a historic site, the island is officially part of both states. In a 1998 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that both New York and New Jersey have jurisdiction over the island. The main building, which is a popular tourist attraction, is located in New York, while a 21-acre portion of the island, created through land reclamation, falls within New Jersey’s borders.
Ellis Island’s history is not only a testament to the millions who passed through its gates but also a reflection of the broader immigrant experience in America. Its legacy continues to resonate with the many descendants of those who sought a new life on its shores
