GOING TO AMERICA

Where is Ellis Island? Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor It is near the Statue of Liberty One of immigrants first glimpse of

America was the Statue of Liberty She stood for freedom

When was Ellis Island established as an immigration station?

Ellis Island became a station for immigration on January 1, 1892.

The first immigrant to be processed through Ellis Island was Annie Moore.

She was a 15 year old Irish immigrant.

She was given a $10.00 gold piece of being first.

She came to America with her two brothers.

Where did immigrants go before Ellis Island was open?

Between 1855 and 1890 immigrants who entered New York went to Castle Gardens.

Approximately 8,000,000 people came to New York during this period.

People came from England, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia mostly.

They left their homeland for many reasons:Laws against religious freedom, no jobs, and unstable government

What was it like coming to America in 1st or 2nd class?

These passengers were from families with money. They were not required to undergo inspections

unless they were sick or were missing required paper work.

1st and 2nd class passengers often went through customs on the ship, so when they go to the pier, they were free to enter America.

What was life like as a 3rd class or steerage passenger?

On the ship 3rd class passengers were housed at the very bottom.

The conditions were crowded and unsanitary. Passengers often spent 2 weeks crossing the ocean in a room

full of seasick people. When 3rd class got to America they were put onto a ferry or

barge and taken to Ellis Island. It took 3 to 5 hours before they got through the registry room. Everyone underwent a medical and legal inspections.

Ellis Island from the pier

Waiting to Enter Ellis

Island Station

Other facts Children under 16 could not come to America without

a parent. 2% of all immigrants who came to Ellis Island were

turned back. Ellis Island was called the Island of Tears. 1907 was the year that more people came to America

than any other year. 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island.

Detention Room at Ellis Island

After Ellis Island Many immigrants moved from Ellis Island

to the East side tenements in New York City.