ELLIS ISLAND
Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. From 1892 to 1954, this immigrant depot processed the greatest tide of incoming humanity in the nation’s history. Nearly twelve million, including my grandparents, landed here in search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity. Although it was re-opened to visitors in 1972, touring Ellis Island was like visiting war ruins. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan formed the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Centennial Commission under the leadership of Lee Iacocca. To supplement the inadequate government funding, Iacocca raise $20,000,000 by offering Americans the opportunity to have the names of their immigrant ancestors inscribed on a memorial wall on Ellis Island. Today, the island is home to the Ellis Island Immigrant Museum and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which displays the names of more than 500,000 immigrants, including my maternal grandparents, who were processed through Ellis Island.
A visit to Ellis Island begins by taking the Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Ferry across New York Harbor from Castle Clinton. The Ferry ride offers lots of opportunity to take photos of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New Jersey and, of course, Manhattan Island.
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