Ellis Island Immigration Museum was added to Your Favorites!
New York, New York
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Ellis Island earned this nickname because many immigrants faced the heartbreak of being separated from their families if they failed health inspections.
Over 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954, making it the busiest immigrant inspection station in the U.S.
The island expanded from 3.3 acres to 27.5 acres using landfill from the construction of the New York City subway system.
Tom Hanks' ancestors were among the millions who passed through Ellis Island, seeking a new life in America.
The island served as a detention facility for enemy merchant seamen and suspected Axis sympathizers.
This was the spot where many immigrants reunited with their loved ones, sharing emotional embraces after long separations.
Ellis Island, along with the Statue of Liberty, forms the Statue of Liberty National Monument, symbolizing freedom and hope.
