Did You Know Ellis Island wasn’t always the gateway to the American Dream?
Originally called Little Oyster Island because of its rich oyster beds, this small patch of land has lived many lives. In the 1770s, Manhattan merchant Samuel Ellis owned it, giving the island its name. By the early 1800s, it was even known as Gibbet Island—a grim site where pirates and criminals were hanged!
The U.S. government took control in 1808, using it for military purposes until 1892, when Ellis Island officially opened as the nation’s busiest immigration station. Over the next six decades, more than 12 million immigrants passed through its doors, with only about 2% turned away—earning it the bittersweet nickname “Island of Tears.”
Some fascinating facts:
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The first immigrant processed was Annie Moore, a 17-year-old Irish girl who arrived with her two younger brothers.
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Ellis Island grew from just 3.3 acres to nearly 27.5 acres through land reclamation.
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The inspection process was surprisingly quick—usually 3 to 5 hours, with medical exams lasting as little as six seconds!
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Despite the myth, officials didn’t force immigrants to change their names—many chose to Americanize them later.
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During both World Wars, the island was repurposed as a detention center.
Today, Ellis Island stands as a museum and part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, preserving the stories of millions who dreamed of a better life. A true symbol of hope, resilience, and new beginnings.
