History of Ellis Island in Pictures

Ellis Island is a federally owned island in New York Harbor that was the busiest immigrant inspection and processing station in the United States. From 1892 to 1954, nearly 12 million immigrants arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey were processed there under federal law.

1892: Ellis Island (1892-1954): Immigrants Just Arriving, Awaiting examination

Explore Ellis Island's pivotal role from 1892-1954 in shaping NYC's culture and America's immigrant history

1902: Ellis Island: A Snapshot of New Starts in New York

Explore the 1902 Ellis Island photo capturing the immigrant experience and NYC's role as America's welcoming port

1902: Immigrant Station at Ellis Island

An exterior perspective of Immigration Station at Ellis Island, with ferry docked at the adjacent pier.

1902: Money Exchange at Ellis Island's Immigrant Station

Immigrants ready for travel with baggages lined up at teller's windows marked money exchange.

1902: Ellis Island Immigrants Bound For Manhattan

A line of immigrants has passed all phases of inspection at Ellis Island and await the ferry to Manhattan where they will begin their new lives.

1902: Ellis Island: Inside the Main Hall of America's Immigrant Story

Explore the 1902 Main Hall at Ellis Island, capturing NYC's pivotal role in the immigrant journey and shaping its cultural diversity

1904: Immigrants at Ellis Island, New York Harbor

Immigrants waiting to be processed at Ellis Island. New York had become a Wonder City and beacon of hope for people all over the world.

1906: Emigrants in the Pens at Ellis Island

Crowds will the rows, or "pens" at Ellis Island, probably on or near Christmas as evidenced by the decorations.

1907: Arriving at Ellis Island

Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island for processing in 1907.

1912: Ferry Docked at Immigration Station, Ellis Island

An excellent overhead view of the front facade of Ellis Island's Immigration Station with a boat docked in front.

1912: Immigrants Looking at Manhattan from Ellis Island

Photograph of immigrants waiting to be transferred at Ellis Island on October 30, 1912. Manhattan's downtown skyline is visible in the distance.

1913: View New York Harbor from Ellis Island

A derby-topped gentleman observing the harbor form the observation roof on one wing of the Immigration Station.

1985: Ellis Island Rooftop View: Capturing the Downtown Manhattan Skyline and Immigrant Legacy

Discover a historic view from Ellis Island’s rooftop, showcasing the iconic Manhattan skyline and reflecting NYC's rich immigrant history and cultural evolution

1985: Ellis Island Ferry Building: A Gateway to America’s Immigrant Heritage in New York Harbor

Explore the history of the Ellis Island Ferry Building, the gateway for millions of immigrants entering America, captured from the south in New York Harbor

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History of Ellis Island in Pictures

Discover How History101.nyc Sustains Its Ad-Free Educational Platform

Meet the Founders: The Creative Minds Behind Our Platform

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Dutch Era: When New York Was New Amsterdam

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