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Ellis Island: A Gateway to America's Past and Present

Dion Reed

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Published in National Geographic Readers: Ellis Island

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Ellis Island was the gateway to America for millions of immigrants. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million people from all over the world passed through its doors. They came to America in search of a better life, and Ellis Island was their first glimpse of their new home.

National Geographic Readers: Ellis Island

by Elizabeth Carney

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37709 KB
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The story of Ellis Island is the story of America. It is a story of hope, struggle, and triumph. It is a story that is still being told today, as immigrants continue to come to America in search of a better life.

The History of Ellis Island

Ellis Island was originally a small island in New York Harbor. In the 1890s, the federal government decided to turn the island into an immigration station. The new station opened in 1892, and it quickly became the busiest immigration station in the United States.

The immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island were processed by a team of inspectors. The inspectors checked the immigrants' health, their documents, and their money. If the inspectors found anything wrong, the immigrants could be denied entry to the United States.

Most of the immigrants who passed through Ellis Island were able to enter the United States. However, some immigrants were denied entry. These immigrants were usually sent back to their home countries.

Ellis Island closed as an immigration station in 1954. However, the island has remained a popular tourist destination. Today, visitors can learn about the history of Ellis Island and the millions of immigrants who passed through its doors.

The People of Ellis Island

The people who worked at Ellis Island were a diverse group. They came from all over the United States, and they spoke many different languages. The inspectors were responsible for checking the immigrants' health, their documents, and their money. The matrons were responsible for taking care of the immigrants' needs. The clerks were responsible for processing the immigrants' paperwork.

The immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island were also a diverse group. They came from all over the world, and they spoke many different languages. They came to America in search of a better life, and they were willing to work hard to achieve their dreams.

The Impact of Ellis Island

Ellis Island had a profound impact on American history. The island was the gateway to America for millions of immigrants. These immigrants helped to build America into the great nation that it is today.

Ellis Island also had a significant impact on American culture. The immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island brought their own cultures and traditions to America. These cultures and traditions have helped to shape American culture into what it is today.

Ellis Island is a place of hope, struggle, and triumph. It is a place that has had a profound impact on American history and culture. The story of Ellis Island is still being told today, as immigrants continue to come to America in search of a better life.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about Ellis Island, I encourage you to visit the island. You can take a tour of the island, or you can simply walk around and explore on your own. Ellis Island is a fascinating place, and it is well worth a visit.

You can also learn more about Ellis Island by reading books and articles about the island. There are many resources available online and in libraries.

I hope that this article has given you a brief overview of Ellis Island. I encourage you to learn more about this fascinating place. Ellis Island is a testament to the hope, struggle, and triumph of the American people.

National Geographic Readers: Ellis Island

by Elizabeth Carney

4.7 out of 5