ellis island

Ellis Island From 1892 to 1954, 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island on their way to better opportunities. 40 % of America's present population can trace their ancestry through this small island in New York harbor. Before becoming an immigration station, Ellis Island was at times a rich fishing area, a place where pirates were hanged, a weapons depot and a fort. Owned in the 1770s by Samuel Ellis, it was an important coastal defense site during the War of 1812. Increasing...