Before it became America’s most famous immigration station, Ellis Island had a surprising past.
The Mohegan people originally called it “Kioshk” or “Gull Island” because of its rich oyster beds.
In the 1760s, it was nicknamed “Gibbet Island” due to pirate hangings that took place there.
In the 1770s, merchant Samuel Ellis purchased the island and operated a tavern on the property.
The U.S. government acquired the island in 1808 for $10,000.
Before opening as the nation’s primary immigration station in 1892, it served as a fort and munitions depot during the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island.
The first was Annie Moore, a 17-year-old from Ireland, on January 1, 1892. Its busiest day was April 17, 1907, when over 11,000 immigrants arrived.
Despite its emotional reputation, only about 2% were denied entry, earning it the nickname “Island of Hope.” Contrary to popular belief, officials did not change immigrants’ names; they verified them using ship manifests.
The island also expanded from 3.3 acres to 27 acres using landfill from New York City subway construction.
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