Ellis Island, located in the New York Harbor, served as the largest immigrant processing center in the world.  Over twelve million immigrants passed through Ellis Island over the 62 years it was a processing center. 

Workers on the island performed medical examination and background checks along with many other things needed to inspect the immigrants passing through.  After it finished serving as a Federal Immigration Station, it became a National Monument along with the Statue of Liberty.  Over two million tourists visit the museum annually.

Before becoming Ellis Island, it was known as Oyster Island as it was called by the Indians because of its abundance of oysters.

Ellis Island Records

Angel Island Info