Ellis Island — Attraction in Jersey City

On any tour of New York City's highlights Liberty Island always gets top billing with Ellis Island often being more of a side trip or footnote. I had the same view myself but having visited both now I'd argue Ellis Island deserves at least equal time and attention on your trip.

Yes, Lady Liberty is iconic, but while she's the symbol of the United States' history as a nation of immigrants, the story is better told through the more mundane buildings and artifacts of her neighboring island. Through the gates of Ellis' main building flowed thousands of souls hoping for a transition from one way of life to another just like thousands still do today. Some would face rejection but many more would be welcomed into a growing nation, and each one had a story to tell. You get a glimpse of those stories in the wide variety of museum exhibits chronicling both the well-known episodes of immigration - such as the Irish diaspora due to the potato famine of the 1800s - to the utterly obscure, like the handful of Filipino galleon sailors who escaped their lot by fleeing to Louisiana in 1765, centuries before the Filipino people's own global diaspora.

Beyond the main building's museum there are lovely grounds to walk around in and take in gorgeous views of Manhattan and New York Harbor. After a long day walking around both islands the tree-shaded benches were a welcome break. While walking about you can also get an idea from signs scattered about of the less famous history of Ellis Island as a former military outpost predating its time as an immigration station.

Overall, Ellis Island is a great experience for anyone with an appreciation for history and hours will fly by quickly until you inevitably have to take that ferry ride back...

Ellis Island is a federally owned island in New York Harbor, situated within the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey, that was the busiest immigrant inspection and processing station in the United States. From 1892 to 1954, nearly 12 million immigrants arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey were processed there under federal law.[6] Today, it is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is accessible to the public only by ferry. The north side of the island is the site of the main building, now a national museum of immigration. The south side of the island, including the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital, is open to the public only through guided tours.

In the 19th century, Ellis Island was the site of Fort Gibson and later became a naval magazine. The first inspection station opened in 1892 and was destroyed by fire in 1897. The second station opened in 1900 and housed facilities for medical quarantines and processing immigrants. After 1924, Ellis Island was used primarily as a detention center for migrants. During both World War I and World War II, its facilities were also used by the US military to detain prisoners of war. After the immigration station's closure, the buildings languished for several years until they were partially reopened in 1976. The main building and adjacent structures were completely...

Ellis Island is a historical treasure that transcends the boundaries of one's knowledge or expertise in history. As someone who might be considered a "history noob," I was absolutely captivated by the depth and significance of this iconic destination.

Stepping onto Ellis Island felt like stepping back in time. The sheer magnitude of the immigration process that took place here is awe-inspiring. The exhibits and artifacts on display paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience, from the trials they faced to the hopes that drew them to the shores of America. Even for someone like me, whose knowledge of history might be limited, the storytelling within these walls is both accessible and emotionally resonant.

Beyond its historical significance, Ellis Island offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The combination of this stunning backdrop with the profound history it holds makes it a must-visit destination for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with history. Ellis Island is a testament to the resilience and dreams of countless individuals who sought a new life in America, and it's an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the tapestry of stories that make up this...