Ellis Island was an immigration station in New York Harbor in the United States. It operated from 1892 to 1954. During that time, over 12 million immigrants passed through it.
Many people arrived from Europe after long ocean journeys. Officials checked health and documents before allowing entry into the country. Families often waited in large halls while their information was recorded. Today, Ellis Island is a museum that shows the history of immigration.
Ellis Island is studied through records, photographs, and personal accounts. It shows how immigration was organized and experienced during that time.