Located at the mouth of Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, Ellis Island saw millions of newly arrived immigrants pass through its doors. In fact, it has been estimated that close to 40 percent of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island.
What was the name of the two islands that immigrants came into?
Ellis Island was one of three “Oyster Islands,” the other two being Liberty Island and the now-destroyed Black Tom Island . In the late 19th century, the federal government began expanding the island by land reclamation to accommodate its immigration station, and the expansions continued until 1934.
What island did immigrants come through?
When did Ellis Island open? Ellis Island officially opened as an immigration station on January 1, 1892. Seventeen-year-old Annie Moore, from County Cork, Ireland was the first immigrant to be processed at the new federal immigration depot.
What was the name of the island that immigrants came through during the early 20th century to receive asylum or citizenship?
Between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal at Ellis Island , enshrining it as an icon of America's welcome. That story is well known.
What were the names of the two islands that were used as immigration processing centers on the East and West Coast?
On the east coast, most of the huddled masses were met by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . On the west coast, between 1910 and 1940, most were met by the wooden buildings of Angel Island.
How did Ellis Island burn down?
The Ellis Island Fire
On June 15, 1897, a fire broke out in the Ellis Island immigration station . The fire burned the structure to the ground, but no one died in the blaze. ... The federal government rebuilt the immigration station, this time to be fireproof.
What happened to most immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island?
Despite the island's reputation as an “Island of Tears”, the vast majority of immigrants were treated courteously and respectfully , and were free to begin their new lives in America after only a few short hours on Ellis Island. Only two percent of the arriving immigrants were excluded from entry.
Which examination did immigrants fear the most?
But it was the last examination that was the most feared: the doctor's inspections of the eyelids and eyes for evidence of trachoma . A chronic infection of the eye, trachoma is now easily treated with a single dose of an antibiotic.
Where did Angel Island immigrants come from?
From 1910-40, an estimated 500,000 immigrants from 80 countries—including Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Mexico, Canada, and Central and South America—were processed through Angel Island. The great majority came from China or other Asian countries , including Japan, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Korea and Vietnam.
What immigrants did not go to Ellis Island?
Those over the age of 16 who cannot read 30 to 40 test words in their native language are no longer admitted through Ellis Island. Nearly all Asian immigrants are banned. At war's end, a “Red Scare” grips America in reaction to the Russian Revolution.
What was the six second medical exam?
Explain the “six second” medical exam — The “six second” medical exam was a test immigrants had to pass . They had to walk up steps and be examined by people standing at the top to see if they had any trouble reaching it. If the did, they were marked and had to wait in the Great Hall for a full physical.
What are three countries immigrants came from destined for Ellis Island?
Ireland, Italy, and Germany were the three countries most represented at Ellis Island.
What happened to most immigrants when they arrived at Ellis Island quizlet?
Most immigrants who passed through Ellis Island were European , but most who passed through Angel Island were Asian. ... many immigrants who passed through Angel Island were detained for long periods. You just studied 10 terms!
How were immigrants treated Angel Island?
It functioned as both an immigration and deportation facility, at which some 175,000 Chinese and about 60,000 Japanese immigrants were detained under oppressive conditions, generally from two weeks to six months, before being allowed to enter the United States.
Why were immigrants detained at Ellis Island?
About one percent were classified and detained for political or legal reasons , including suspected criminals and anarchists. About one percent were detained if suspected of a “loath-some or a dangerous contagious disease.” Immigrants with curable diseases were sent to medical facilities on Ellis Island.
What happened to immigrants after Ellis Island?
After approval it was time to leave the island and continue to the final destination. Those who had received their permission to enter to the US continued to the Money Exchange at the island . Here you could change gold, silver and foreign currency to american dollars.
