On This Day Nov 12, 1954, Ellis Island, the iconic gateway to America, closed its doors after facilitating the entry of over 12 million immigrants since its opening in 1892. Situated in New York Harbor off the New Jersey coast and named after Samuel Ellis, its 1770s landowner, Ellis Island holds a profound place in American immigration history.
While tens of millions of Americans can trace their roots through Ellis Island, not all immigrants arriving in New York had to pass through its gates. First- and second-class passengers underwent shipboard inspections, disembarking at New York or New Jersey piers for customs clearance. In contrast, third-class passengers were transported to Ellis Island for medical and legal examinations, ensuring they posed no health risks or financial burdens to the government. Remarkably, only two percent of all immigrants faced denial of entry into the U.S.
Image prompt: HISTORICAL prompt by @timetravelr2025 – https://x.com/timetravelr2025/status/168823447103039
