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Ellis Island Origin
Samuel Ellis was a New York merchant who owned the island during the American Revolution. His heirs sold the island to the New York State after his death. The Federal Government officially bought the island in 1808 for $10,000. -
Immigration Station
The first Ellis Island Immigration Station was officially opened. -
The Main Building
The Main Building of the island was built. This building has changed greatly over the years, expanding and remodeling. -
Peak Year
This was the peak year at Ellis Island with 1,004,756 immigrants received. On April 17th of this year, a total of 11,747 immigrants were processed. -
Immigration Quota Law
560,971 immigrants passed through Ellis Island in 1921. The first Immigration Quota Law passed the U.S. Congress. It stated that the number of any European nationality entering in a given year could not be over 3 percent of foreign-born people of that nationality who lived in the U.S. in 1910. -
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During the War
After the U.S. entered the war in December 1941, Ellis Island served primarily as a detention center for foreign enemies. Ellis Island was also used as a hospital for returning wounded servicemen and the United States Coast Guard. -
Closure
Ellis Island, with its 33 structures, was closed and declared excess Federal property. -
Restoration
The largest restoration in American history was undertaken by the non-profit Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. -
Immigration Museum
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum opened to the public and has received over 40 million visitors to date. Also opened The American Immigrant Wall of Honor. -
Present Day
Journeys: The Peopling of America Center, 1550 - 1890, which explores arrivals before the Ellis Island Era, was opened by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.
