Ellis Island
Ellis Island, situated in the Upper New York Bay, has played a pivotal role in American immigration history. Here's detailed information about this iconic site:
History
- Early History: Originally named Kioshk or "Gull Island" by the local Lenape Native American tribe, Ellis Island was purchased by Samuel Ellis in the 1770s, giving it its current name.
- Immigration Station: From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island served as the nation's primary immigration station, processing millions of immigrants. Over 12 million immigrants passed through its doors, with a peak year in 1907 when 1,004,756 immigrants were processed.
- Fire and Rebuilding: A fire in 1897 destroyed the original wooden structures. The main building was rebuilt and reopened in 1900 with a new, more durable structure designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton and William Alciphron Boring.
- World War II: During World War II, Ellis Island was used as a detention center for enemy aliens and for those suspected of disloyalty.
- Post-War Closure: After the war, the focus on immigration shifted, and Ellis Island officially closed in 1954.
Current Use
Immigrant Experience
- Processing: Immigrants underwent medical and legal inspections. Those deemed inadmissible due to health concerns or legal issues were detained or sent back.
- Ellis Island Hospital: The island had facilities for those who needed medical care or quarantine before being allowed into the country.
- Records: The Ellis Island Records are an invaluable resource for genealogists, containing detailed information on millions of immigrants.
Legal and Political Context
- Immigration Acts: The processing at Ellis Island was influenced by various immigration laws, like the Immigration Act of 1924 which introduced quotas based on national origin, significantly reducing immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.
- Border Dispute: There was a long-standing dispute between New York and New Jersey regarding the ownership of Ellis Island, which was resolved in 1998 by the Supreme Court, awarding most of the island to New Jersey.
Sources
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