Visiting Ellis Island in New York

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History of Ellis Island

From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island acted as the United States’ busiest immigrant inspection station. For 60+ years, the Island – located in Upper New York Bay – was as an entryway for more than 12 million immigrants who came to America in hopes of a better life.

Interestingly enough, a 1998 United States Supreme Court ruling determined that the majority of Ellis Island is, in fact, located in New Jersey—not New York!

The United States federal government has owned Ellis Island since 1808, and the National Park Service has operated the island since 1965.Prior to the opening of Ellis Island, immigrants were processed at Castle Garden Immigration Depot—located just across the bay in Lower Manhattan.

On the very first day it’s opening, Ellis Island received three giant ships with over 700 immigrants. In its first year of operation, the Island processed more than 450,000 immigrants alone.

Visit the Ellis Island Museum

Though Ellis Island is not available for residency, this Historic Ellis Island Ferry was once on sale for $1.25 Million! Today, you can visit the Ellis Island Museum—which hosts 3 floors of exhibits as well as multiple rotating exhibits!

To learn more about Ellis Island, check out 9 Things You May Not Know About Ellis Island—compliments of A&E Television Networks, LLC.

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