Ellis Island, Museum of Immigration

The ferry took us over from New Jersey city to Ellis Island. It was here that the US processed the majority of arrivals to the country from 1892 to 1924, it saw 12 million people pass through the emigration hall (third and fourth picture).

For many the stay on the island was 3-7 hours, but for others it could be days, weeks and sometimes months. This was due to extra questioning, delays or heath screening. During the time it was open only 2% of arrivals were declined entry to the United States, for these people they were sent on the next boat back to the port of origin. The museum was absolutely fantastic, particularly from a social history point of view!Read more