1. Immigration Gateway: Ellis Island served as the busiest immigrant inspection and processing center in the United States from 1892 to 1954. During this period, an estimated 12 million immigrants from various parts of the world came through its doors seeking entry into the United States.
2. Medical Screening: Upon arrival at Ellis Island, immigrants underwent rigorous medical examinations. Doctors checked for signs of various illnesses, including tuberculosis, trachoma, and any other contagious diseases that could pose health risks to the American public.
3. "Island of Tears": Ellis Island earned the nickname "Island of Tears" due to the emotional experiences faced by many immigrants during the inspection process. While some were overjoyed to be allowed entry, others were denied and often had to return to their homeland, leading to heartbreaking separations from family members.
4. The Great Hall: The main building on Ellis Island is the Great Hall, where immigrants underwent the inspection process and were determined to be admissible. It was a vast and impressive structure, able to accommodate thousands of immigrants at a time.
5. Interpretive Center: Today, Ellis Island is an immigration museum operated by the National Park Service. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum features exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories that shed light on the experiences and struggles faced by immigrants during that era.
6. Angel Island: While Ellis Island primarily served immigrants arriving from the Atlantic Ocean, Angel Island in San Francisco Bay fulfilled a similar role for those coming from the Pacific Ocean. It served as a processing station for immigrants from Asia, mostly from China and Japan, between the late 1800s and 1940.
7. Famous Immigrants: Numerous famous individuals passed through Ellis Island, including Albert Einstein, David Ben-Gurion (later Prime Minister of Israel), Charlie Chaplin, and Sigmund Freud.
8. Oral History Center: The Ellis Island Immigration Museum also features an Oral History Center where visitors can listen to recorded stories, accounts, and memories of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
9. Immigration Laws: The stringent immigration laws during the early 20th century, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Immigration Act of 1924, significantly influenced the demographic makeup of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.
10. Public Health Importance: Ellis Island played a crucial role in preserving public health in the United States by identifying and quarantining individuals with infectious diseases before they entered the general population.
11. Closure and Revival: Ellis Island was closed as an immigration station in 1954 due to the transition to processing immigrants at various ports of entry across the country. However, in 1965, it was declared a national historic site, and restoration efforts transformed the island into a museum open to the public.
12. National Symbols: Ellis Island is often considered a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the pursuit of a better life in America, representing the collective story of generations of immigrants who contributed to the diversity and vibrancy of the nation.