Ellis Island Quarter

From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island was the largest and most active immigration station in the United States, where approximately 12 million immigrants were processed. For the vast majority of immigrants, Ellis Island truly was an “Island of Hope” – the first stop on their way to new opportunities and experiences in the United States. For the rest, it became the “Island of Tears” – a place where families were separated and individuals were denied entry into this country.

Ellis Island was added to the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965; the main building re-opened in September 1990 as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.