Artifact 2: Ellis Island

Between 1892 and 1954, the number one place for a pit stop between your home and America was Ellis Island, known as the biggest immigration inspection station in the nation. Located in New York City, almost 12 million people came to Ellis Island as they made their way into America. Most of the immigrants who came to Ellis Island were from Europe, mostly because the Atlantic Ocean connects the two counties and that is the closest immigrant station.

Ellis Island

   
 The journey to Ellis Island alone was hard enough, with about 3000 people per boat, traveling there wasn't considered a luxury. Once you arrived on Ellis Island you couldn't just walk through the gates and into your new home. You had to go through hours of inspection and registry and more. The first step into freedom was immediate inspection, those who looked healthy enough could continue and the other had to wait on boats for a more in-depth inspection for diseases and other contagions. If you passed the inspection you walked into step two, getting your luggage inspected and registry. Registry was held in an enormous room where you were once again inspected, medically and legally. If you were an unmarried women or a person under 16 you were detained and sent home. If you had any signs of trachoma or other diseases you were set aside for further inspection. Once you have passed registry you move onto what was called "The Stairs of Separation." This is where you were categorized by your destination. If you were detained, you were put in the middle. If you were going north or towards New York, you were on the left and those going west and south were on the right side. From there, you continue onto "The Kissing Post," where those who can continue as an immigrant meet up with their loved ones and settle in Amerca.