It has been more than 55 years since Ellis Island closed its facilities for immigrant processing, but the fascination of this small legendary island lingers in the hearts of millions of Americans who can trace their family’s history to its shores.
From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, within the protective shadow of the Statue of Liberty.
On January 1, 1892, the first
immigrant to pass through the newly constructed Ellis Island was Annie Moore, a 15-year-old girl from Cork, Ireland. She and her two brothers were coming to America to meet their parents, who had moved to New York two years prior. She received a greeting from officials and a $10 gold piece.
One can only imagine the joy,
relief and excitement these
immigrants must have felt as they entered New York harbor. Passengers jostling and crowding the deck of their ship to witness the amazing view of Lady Liberty on one side and Ellis Island with its maze of red complex brick buildings on the other.
Unfortunately, after only five years of operation, the Ellis Island Immigration Station burned down. The Treasury Department quickly ordered the immigration facility be replaced under one very important condition ...
To read the entire article get the latest issue of Our USA.
