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COMPLIMENTARY $3.95 2019/2020 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS ELLIS & OF

THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY • HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS SIGHTSEEING • MAPS • MORE

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WELCOME S:7.375” WelcomeT:8.375” to the Na- SO TASTY EVERYONE WILL WANT A BITE. tional and . FUN FACTS The Statue of Liberty was presented by the people of to the people of

the in 1886 to honor the Shutterstock friendship between the two nations. Today, it is recognized as a symbol of liberty throughout the world. It was es- tablished as a national monument in 1924 and placed under the management of the (NPS) in 1933. It underwent an extensive $87 mil- lion renovation, funded and overseen by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foun- More than 40 percent of America’s population can trace their ancestry dation, just in time for the statue’s 100th through Ellis Island. birthday in 1986. Millions visit the statue each year. Established: France gave the Statue Ellis Island was the gateway through of Liberty to the United States as a gift which more than 12 million immigrants in 1886. It was established as a na- passed between 1892 and 1954 in their tional monument in 1924; Ellis Island search for freedom of speech and reli- was added to it in 1965. gion, and for economic opportunity in Immigration: Between 1892 and the United States. Because of its unique 1954, more than 12 million immigrants historical importance, it was declared passed through Ellis Island on their way

©2019 Preferred Brands International. reserved. rights All part of the Statue of Liberty National to the United States. More than 40 per- Monument in 1965. After a six-year, cent of the United States’ population $170 million renovation, guided by the can trace ancestry through Ellis Island. NPS and also funded and overseen by Size & Weight: The statue is 151 The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foun- feet tall from base to torch and weighs dation, it reopened to the public as a mu- 225 tons! seum in 1990. Designer: Frédéric-Auguste Bar- Many volunteers, park employees and tholdi, born in , France, in 1834. partners work together to provide you Popular Activities: Reserve tick- with a rich visitor experience. This guide, ets to enjoy the view from the statue’s provided by Statue Cruises and American observation deck or , tour Ellis Park Network, has been made possible Island, and trace your heritage at the TASTY BITE® is all-natural and perfect for the trail. Look by the support of the sponsors whose American Family Immigration History for the yellow pouch in the messages appear inside. We hope it will Center®. Take a “Hard Hat Tour” of the * international food aisle. enhance your appreciation and enjoy- unrestored hospital complex. tastybite.com ment of the . *Keep wildlife wild; Don’t feed the animals. | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 1

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FINAL Client: Tasty Bite APPROVAL SIGNATURES ROUND(s) 3 Filename: 19tas_2967_Q2_Print_Oh-Ranger.indd SIZE / Date: 4-2-2019 2:32 PM MECHANICAL SPECS (w x h) FONTS & IMAGES PROOF FORMAT Job #: 2967 Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Fonts TRAFFIC Insert Date: 4/1 Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Knockout (HTF49 Liteweight), Acumin Pro Condensed (Light), Pubs or Loc: PROD. Oh Ranger Viewing: 5.375” x 8.375” Acumin Pro (Black, Regular, Bold) Magazine Description: None Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Images STUDIO Scale: 1” = 1” Print Tasty Bite Final 032919-CMYK.psd (CMYK; 448 ppi, 494 ppi; AD Notes: None ACTUAL SIZE (w x h) 66.93%, 60.7%), Tasty_Bite_Logo.ai (17.81%), Tasty Bite Final 032919-Product.psd (CMYK; 536 ppi; 55.95%) CW Bleed: 5.875” x 8.875” Mekanism Trim: 5.375” x 8.375” Inks CD 640 Second St Viewing: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black SF, CA 94107 5.375” x 8.375” BM 415.908.4000 Live: 4.75” x 7.375” Gutter: None Designer: Dustin Page Printed at: None CLIENT PRESERVATION CONTENTS

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American Park Network® publishes OhRanger. Welcome 1 com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public What’s New! 4 lands all across America­—and operates Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi in parks and public lands. American Park Network is an official partner of the National ELLIS ISLAND At A Glance 6 Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife ELLIS ISLAND Plan Your Visit 7 Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. ELLIS ISLAND History & Culture 12 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief MARK J. SAFERSTEIN Your Ancestors 20

Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Joel S. Saferstein The Immigrant Journey 22 Group Sales & Partnerships Director Centerfold Map Alex Frenkel EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION STATUE OF LIBERTY At A Glance 28 Editors: Monette A. Bailey, Daniel Johnson, Jacqueline Kehoe, Amanda McConnon, Important Numbers 28 Julie McCool, Danielle Taylor, Wendy Willis Proofreader: Scott Tabor STATUE OF LIBERTY Production Manager: Mario Arce Plan Your Visit 29 Graphic Designers: Karla Aldana, Dennisse Cruz, Tatiana Hurtado, Yamileth Recinos STATUE OF LIBERTY History & Culture 32 AD DIGITAL Technology Manager: Scott Falconer The NPS In NYC 40

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING Who’s Who at the Park 43 (212) 581-3380 [email protected] Photography 44 Business Development: Randy Burton, Mary Pat Kaleth, Pat Keane, Craig King, Kristi Rummel Just for Kids 46 Feel-Good Savings. Operations Manager: Matthew Price American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10003 Editor’s Picks 48

Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. @OhRanger 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on RV insurance. ©2019 APN MEDIA, LLC · All Rights Reserved Cover: Aerial view of Ellis Island (Shutterstock) Oh, Ranger! and American Park Network are registered trademarks of APN Media, LLC.

GET THE APP! IT’S FREE! DOWNLOAD NOW The publisher of this guide and the advertisers herein are not geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Park Service. For answers to all your questions, FOR MORE INFORMATION go to OhRanger.com Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or Distribution requests in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC [email protected] 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship 3 [email protected] WHAT’S NEW! WE’RE ALL CONNECTED

As a young man, John Muir, the naturalist known as, “Father of the National Parks,” Mark, Joel & Alex – connecting in parks! had an accident that left him temporarily blinded. It changed his life forever. When he science. I often find inspiration in parks. In its regained his sight, he emerged into the light traditional form, yoga was about joining with ever-determined to pursue his dreams of the collective universe. So, too, is Muir’s quote, exploration. Fortunately for the world, Muir’s best illustrated by an example from Yellowstone. trials led him to help move Congress to set When wolves were reintroduced there after a aside Yosemite, one of his many contributions 70-year absence, the rampant elk population to our nation’s preservation movement. could no longer leisurely nibble on willows, graze When faced with adversity, we have but in open meadows or congregate by the rivers. In two choices. We can either rise above our a short period of time, the forests and meadows circumstance or succumb to our demons of began to regenerate. Song birds appeared. doubt, fear, resentment and apathy. While Beavers flourished, building dams, which Muir was lucky to have his sight return, his created habitats for otters, muskrats and ducks. subsequent efforts drew strength from hope, Cooler waters, shaded by more trees, attracted compassion, kindness and love to rise up different species of amphibians and fish. Tree from personal adversity. roots stabilized the river banks, diminished Lately, it feels like we’re all dealing with erosion and even changed the geography of the too many hurdles. Every hour, “breaking” park! Indeed, pick out anything by itself and we news spews forth accounts of tragedy and quickly find that everything is connected. divisiveness. It was with this backdrop that I Now is the time to seek out connection— SOMEWHERE was preparing to teach a restorative yoga class, whether in a park, a yoga studio or anywhere to create a safe environment for my students you find inspiration—to find strength to rise up BETWEEN and provide an hour’s worth of peace and quiet and overcome the obstacles that us all… to carry out into the world. What theme would capture their imagination and neatly underscore STUNNING our human need for connectedness? When teaching, I try to use examples that marry ancient tradition with contemporary and SURREAL

GET CONNECTED AT YOUR FAVORITE PARKS! VISITUTAH.COM Parks are about enjoying nature, but what if you want to share a great picture or are awaiting an important email? If you’re looking to add connectivity to your park, or if you already have Wi-Fi and would like help adding content or generating revenues, please let us know at [email protected].

4 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | ELLIS ISLAND ELLIS ISLAND AT A GLANCE PLAN YOUR VISIT

“Our growth as a nation has been Immigration Station answered “the lady’s” GENERAL INFORMATION Ticket and Schedule Information: achieved, in large measure, through the plea to “Give me your tired, your poor, your Ellis Island is located in Harbor, Please visit statuecruises.com or call genius and industry of immigrants of every huddled masses yearning to breathe free” off the southern tip of on 27 acres (877) 523-9849. race and from every quarter of the world. when it officially opened its doors to the near the coast. For visitor infor- For more information about , please The story of their pursuit of happiness is world on Friday, , 1892. mation, please call (212) 363-3200, please refer to the “Plan Your Visit” chapter in the the saga of America. Their brains and their Perhaps it was fitting that a 17-year-old visit nps.gov/elis or write: Ellis Island Mu- Statue of Liberty section of this guide. brawn helped to settle our land, to advance Irish girl named Annie Moore was the first seum of Immigration, Statue of Liberty Na- our agriculture, to build our industries, to to be questioned in the immigration station’s tional Monument, New York, NY 10004. DINING develop our commerce, to produce new second-floor Registry Room because Amer- The Ellis Island Cafe offers burgers, grilled and, in general, to make us the ica, like Annie, was in its adolescence. HOURS chicken, fish and chips, paninis, sandwiches, leading nation that we now are.” The story of Ellis Island is the chronicle Ellis Island is open daily, year-round, except organic salads, and (limited) vegan and gluten- – Commission on Immigration and of the more than 12 million immigrants for Thanksgiving and Christmas days. free options. Cold drinks, coffee, snacks and Naturalization, 1953 who passed through its doors from 1892 times vary seasonally from 9:30 a.m. to 5 ice cream are also available. The café has in- until 1954. Theirs are individual stories of p.m. daily in winter, to 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily door seating, plus outdoor patio seating that A SAGA OF FEAR, FAITH unrelenting hardship, fear of the unknown in summer. For an up-to-date schedule, visit overlooks the Statue of Liberty, The American AND COURAGE and the pain of separation. It is also the statuecruises.com/departure-schedule#/. Immigrant Wall of Honor® and Lower Man- story of immigrants’ faith and courageous hattan. Ellis Island can also host catered day Basking in the shadow of the Statue of dedication in their pursuit of happiness: ENTRANCE FEE and evening events. Liberty, the newly established Ellis Island This is the saga of America. While Ellis Island charges no admission Contact Evelyn Hill, Inc., (212) 363-3180 fee, it is necessary to buy a ferry ticket. or visit thestatueofliberty.com for See the “Transportation and Tours” box more information. later in this guide. Donations are also grate- fully accepted. GIFT SHOP The Ellis Island Gift Shop, which can

Library of Congress of Library TRANSPORTATION be found right across from the Ellis Island Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry: Cafe, sells a wide selection of souvenirs Boats leave from Battery Park, Manhattan and jewelry. For more information, contact and from , New Jersey. (212) 363-3180. Hours of Operation: Ferries run about every 30 to 45 minutes starting­ at 9:30 MEDICAL a.m., with extended hours in the ­summer If you need first aid, contact a ranger at and during holidays. Schedules are sub- the information desk or any uniformed per- ject to change. There are no ferries on sonnel. The nearest hospital is in New Jer- Thanksgiving or Christmas days. sey, about five minutes from the island. Ferry Fees (includes Liberty and Ellis Is- lands and an audio tour for each island): MUSEUM Adults (ages 13 to 61): $18.50; senior citi- The gemstone and focal point of zens (age 62 and over): $14; children (ages ­Ellis Island is the 110,000-square-foot Hopeful new arrivals gather in Ellis Island’s Great Hall. This photo was taken before the installation of 4 to 12): $9; kids under 4 ride free. Rates are ­National Museum of Immigration, the Guastavino tile ceiling, which was commissioned in 1916. subject to change. centered in the island’s Main Building.

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The museum’s exhibit space is devoted acre island to the final 27.5-acre site that FERRY BUILDING to the history of Ellis Island and the pop- was created with landfill. ulating of America, from the arrival of Silent Voices is a strangely haunting the first immigrants to the present day. evocation of the period when Ellis Island The museum houses the following was abandoned to the ravages of vandals permanent exhibits: and the elements of . Kevin Daley / NPS Through America’s Gate is an experi- Restoring a documents the ence that replicates the immigrants’ journey metamorphosis of the Main Building from an through the immigration station. A step- abandoned ruin to a new national museum. by-step view of immigrant processing is Peak Immigration Years is a 10-room revealed through historic photographs, arti- exhibit that tells the larger story of im- facts and personal papers. Restored to the migrants, regardless of their port of entry. 1918–1924 period, this 14-room exhibit area Displays explore the immigrant experi- features audio recordings of immigrants’ ence: leaving their homelands, journeying reminiscences and reactions upon arriving to America, traveling across the new coun- in America. try, establishing communities, working, Treasures from Home® is a collection of adapting to American life and ­becoming approximately 1,000 artifacts and photo- American citizens. graphs brought by immigrants to America. The Peopling of America Center® places Ellis Island Chronicles portrays the story the Ellis Island immigration era into the con- of the island from its earliest days as a fish- text of centuries of North American migration ing site to the 1950s. Highlights show the history. Journeys: The Peopling of America The Ferry Building’s features have been restored to match their original design. incremental growth from the original 3.3- – 1550-1890, located in the historic Railroad The 1936 Ellis Island Ferry Building was the grant care and see the abandoned hospital first of 30 unrestored buildings on Ellis Island buildings, once considered to be the most for which Save Ellis Island, working in part- modern in the United States. Access to the nership with the National Park Service, raised hospital complex is by guided tour only and the funds to completely restore and put to tickets should be pre-purchased through Shutterstock beneficial re-use. Restoration of the Ellis Is- Statue Cruises. land Ferry Building was completed in 2007 On display is the art exhibit, “Unframed-El- and the rehabilitation and reuse of the 1907 lis Island,” by renowned artist JR. The exhibit Hospital Laundry Building was completed in features the life-size historic photographs of 2016. Save Ellis Island’s current project is the immigrants to Ellis Island. Many of the photos complete restoration of the 1930s Recreation can be viewed as part of the tour. This is the Pavilion and the adjacent lawns and walkways. first of many exhibits planned for the south When completed, this outdoor area will pro- side and the Ellis Island Hospital Complex. vide a wonderful setting for educational and Tours of the unrestored buildings are visitor experience programs. Tick­ets for the available daily. Information on tour times 90-minute tour and ferry are $58.50 ($54 for and how to purchase tickets can be found seniors) and are available only to those ages 13 at statuecruises.com. For more informa- and older. tion about the tours or to schedule a private For the first time in 60 years, visitors group tour please visit the Save Ellis Island are able to hear the lost stories of immi- website at saveellisisland.org. Visitors look for the names of relatives on The American Immigrant Wall of Honor®.

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Ticket Office, focuses on the history of immi- MUSEUM STORE TOURS gration from the Colonial Era to the opening The National Parks of New York Harbor of Ellis Island in 1892. New Eras of Immigra- Conservancy’s Ellis Island Museum Store An exciting self-guided audio tour for Ellis tion reflects the rapid pace of technological sells books and other items near the main Island and the Statue of Liberty is included progress that has characterized migration entrance. The shop operates in partnership with each ferry ticket. since World War II and portrays changing de- with Eastern National, which is working with On Ellis Island, individuals, families and

mographic trends. the National Parks of New York Harbor to groups can relive the immigrant ­experience International Antenna Island of Hope/Island of Tears is a half- operate museum stores at the Statue of Lib- through narration and firsthand accounts by hour movie, produced by Oscar-­winning erty and other locations, including the African the immigrants themselves. At the Statue of filmmaker Charles Guggenheim, in which Burial Ground. Liberty, visitors can discover Lady Liberty’s immigrants tell stories of pulling up roots history and her importance as a symbol of and coming to America. The movie is FAMILY HISTORY CENTER freedom and opportunity around the world. shown in two separate theaters. Seating is The American Family Immigration His- Family tours designed for young visitors are on a first come, first-served basis. tory Center® is a research facility that, for also available on both . Audio tour players can be picked up at the Acous- The Memorial Library has a minimal fee, offers easy access to the The tours are produced by Acoustiguide for The tiguide booths on both islands. reference books and research materials, arrival records of the nearly 65 million pas- Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. They can and houses an oral history studio contain- sengers and crew members who entered be tailored to your time requirements and spe- ing a collection of recorded memories of through the Port of New York and Ellis Is- cific interests and are available in English, Hindi, Rangers conduct free 30-minute public park Ellis Island immigrants and former immigra- land from 1820 to 1957. Its Interpretive Korean, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, guided tours throughout the day on both islands. tion employees. It also features an exhibit Shop offers reproductions of historic im- ­Japanese, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic and Russian. Check information desks for schedules. about Bob Hope’s life and career. Hope im- migration documents, ship pictures, and migrated from England in 1908. immigration-related books, posters and his- • A permit must be obtained for commer- toric maps. For more information, please SPECIAL EVENTS AND MEETINGS cial photography at Ellis Island. see the chapter titled “Your Ancestors.” Ellis Island may be utilized for private • No pets are allowed with the exception evening events of up to 1,200 people. Con- of service animals. FUN FACTS MEMORIAL WALL ferences and day meetings are also pos- • All visitors must pass through security The American Immigrant Wall of Honor® sible. For more information, please contact screening before boarding ferries. Q. WHAT ARE THE commemorates more than 775,000 indi- Evelyn Hill, Inc., (201) 333-7819. • Large bags and weapons of any kind are OTHER BUILDINGS viduals and families whose names were not permitted. ON ELLIS ISLAND? placed there in tribute by descendants, and PARK REGULATIONS ­celebrates their arrival in America ­regardless The following regulations are intended VISITOR FACILITIES A. Ellis Island’s south side of when they came or through which port to enhance your enjoyment of Ellis Island. Restrooms, an ATM and other facilities contains nearly 30 buildings of entry. From this monument is a view These guidelines protect the monument are located on Ellis Island. that are unrestored. These structures, of the Statue of Liberty and the and you, the visitor. originally used by the U.S. Public Manhattan skyline. • No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing SPECIAL SERVICES - Health Service, served as hospitals For information regarding the addition gum is allowed inside the museum or ex- All facilities, including elevators and rest- for immigrants needing treatment of an individual or family name to the Wall, hibit areas. Please keep food within the rooms, are accessible. For more informa- or isolation. The dormitory for legal contact The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island food service areas. tion, see the “Plan Your Visit” chapter in the detainees is on the island’s north side. Foundation, Inc., 17 Battery Place, Suite • Camping is not permitted on the island. Statue of Liberty section. 210, New York, NY 10004, (212) 561-4500, • Students must be chaperoned at all For answers to all your questions, or visit libertyellisfoundation.org. For times by one teacher or adult for every For answers to all your questions, go to .com OhRanger more information­ about the foundation, 10 students. go to OhRanger.com see the “Who’s Who at the Parks” chapter. • There is no vehicle access to Ellis Island.

10 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 11 ELLIS ISLAND HISTORY & CULTURE ELLIS ISLAND HISTORY & CULTURE CHRONOLOGY OF ELLIS ISLAND April 11, 1890 Designated an immigrant inspection station.

THE EARLY YEARS publicly owned, a narrow strip of mud be- Jan. 1, 1892 Opens as an immigrant inspection station. Located in the Upper , a tween the water and the high-tide mark, to June 14, 1897 Buildings destroyed by fire, but all people short distance from the New Jersey shore, the state (Samuel Ellis had actually drawn safely evacuated. Ellis Island was originally known to American up a deed transferring ownership of his is- Dec. 17, 1900 Reopens as an immigrant station on a larger scale. Indians as Kioshk, or Gull Island, named for land to the state, but he died before the 1917 – 1919 Serves as a detention station for foreign aliens, a way the birds that were its only inhabitants. Con- deed could be completed). On this site, con- station for Navy personnel and a hospital for the Army. sisting of nothing more than three acres of sidered an excellent defense for the harbor, soft mud and clay, it was so low that it barely construction of the first fort on Ellis Island 1924 Mass immigration ends. Immigrants now inspected in their countries of origin. above the high-tide level of the bay. had begun, in fear of new attacks from the The island was purchased by the colonial British. A few wooden buildings and 13 1925 – 1954 Primarily used for detention and cases. governors of Nieuw Amsterdam (later New 24-pound guns were ordered. As threats of 1939 – 1946 Part of Ellis Island is used as a Coast Guard station. York) from American Indians on July 12, war with Britain increased, the island was 1941 – 1946 Part of Ellis Island serves as a detention station for foreign aliens. 1630, for “certain cargoes, or parcels of also used for training recruits. Amid all of goods.” The Dutch called it “Little this military activity, the island was still pri- Nov. 12, 1954 Ellis Island Immigration Station closes. Island” because of the delicious vately-owned property, which was leased May 11, 1965 Added by presidential proclamation to the Statue of Liberty Na- found in its sands, and used it as a base for the anticipated military fortifications. tional Monument. for oystering. Because the island was not To speed up the transfer of the prop- 1976 Opens to the public for limited seasonal visitation. good for much other than its oysters—cer- erty, New York State ceded its right of le- 1984 Closes for $170 million public/private restoration. tainly it was not a prime building site—it gal jurisdiction over the island to the federal changed independent ownership many government in February 1808. After several Sept. 10, 1990 Reopens as Ellis Island Immigration Museum. times during the next century. inspections by U.S. Army engineers, it was , 2001 American Family Immigration History Center® opens and its During the 1700s, the island was also ir- concluded that Ellis Island’s position in the website is launched. reverently known as “Gibbet Island” due to harbor made it strategically invaluable to April 7, 2007 Ferry Building opens to the public. its executions of state criminals who were the safety of the nation, despite potential Oct. 28, 2011 The Peopling of America Center® Pre-Ellis Island galleries open, hanged from a “gibbet” (or gallows tree). construction problems. A committee of covering the time period from the 1550s to the 1890s. By means never officially determined, New Yorkers was appointed to estimate May 20, 2015 The Peopling of America Center Post - Ellis Island galleries open. ownership passed into the hands of one the island’s value. The agreed upon fig- The museum covers the entire period of American Immigration and Samuel Ellis about the time of the Ameri- ure was “no less than $10,000,” a very is renamed Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The Peo- pling of America Center is completed and Ellis Island becomes the can Revolution. Ellis tried unsuccessfully to large sum for apparently unusable land in National Museum of Immigration sell the island and still owned it when he the early 1800s. died in 1794. In his will, he bequeathed the On June 8, 1808, the state of New But wasn’t needed. As the $150,000 was authorized for improve- island to the unborn child of his pregnant York bought Ellis Island at the com- years passed, the Army and Navy had little ments and buildings. To make the small, daughter, Catherine Westervelt, on two mittee’s recommended price and use for the island. It was used only to store muddy island usable, every penny—and conditions: that the baby would be a boy was immediately reimbursed when the ammunition until, in 1890, it was chosen more—would be spent. and that the child would be named after federal government took possession of the by the House Committee­ on Immigration To begin, a channel 1,250 feet long him. A son was born, but died in infancy. Ti- island on the same day. After feverish and as the site of the new immigration station for and 200 feet wide had to be dredged to tle to the island was then disputed by other difficult preparations, Fort Gibson, a full- the Port of New York. a depth of more than 12 feet. New docks members of the family. scale stronghold boasting 13 guns and a had to be constructed. Landfill (from sub- On April 21, 1794, the city formally garrison of 182 gunners, was in place just CONSTRUCTION BEGINS way tunnels and from the Grand Central deeded the only part of the island that was in time for the outbreak of the . When Ellis Island was finally selected, Terminal excavation) was brought in to cre-

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ate the “ground” for the new buildings. While steamship companies had previ- and 168 feet wide. A dramatic vaulted ceiling And because there wasn’t enough fresh ously been held responsible for screening was installed in 1918 and carefully tiled by the

water on the island, artesian wells and passengers before leaving , now the Shutterstock Guastavino family, who were, themselves, cisterns were dug. companies were also made responsible for immigrants from . Using a peculiar tech- The first buildings were constructed of returning deportees to their homeland and nique of vaulting, which involved weaving Georgia pine with slate roofs. The Main for the cost of their food and lodging while three layers of tiles together, the ceiling crept Building was two stories high, about 400 they were in detention in the United States. out from the side walls like a vine, without feet long and 150 feet wide. Four-story Those who entered the country illegally or be- the support of central scaffolding. Dormito- peaked towers marked the corners of the came “public charges” within a year of their ries were added on the floor above the Regis- building. There were baggage rooms on arrival, due to conditions that existed before try Room. Other floors housed administrative the ground level and a great inspection hall they landed, were to be deported. Additional offices, records rooms and special inquiry above them. amendments were added to the law in 1893. board hearing rooms. The entire first floor Smaller buildings included a dormi- The combination of this stricter law, was used as a baggage receiving room and tory for detainees, a small hospital, a a cholera scare in 1892 and the financial Ellis Island circa 1905 railroad ticket office. restaurant, kitchens, a baggage station, panic of 1893, followed by several years of The original land encompassed 3.3 acres an electric plant and a bathhouse. Some economic depression, began to show its ment. The Main Building, still considered one but was increased in size over the years of the old Fort Gibson brick buildings effect. The number of immigrants arriving of the few grand-scale brick buildings in New to 27.5 acres. A second, three-acre island were also converted into dormitories and in New York consistently decreased until York, was composed of red brick with iron- included hospital wards and an admin­ office space. the turn of the century. work and limestone trim, and concrete floors. istration building. A third island of five When the immigration station officially Notable for its four cupola-style towers and acres was added in 1910 with additional opened on January 1, 1892, its final cost THE FIRE OF 1897 the large, light and airy second-floor Registry hospital facilities for isolating immigrants had reached approximately $500,000 and There were only 200 people on Ellis Room, the Main Building was 338 feet long with contagious . it had become a city unto itself. Island the night of June 14, 1897, when The number of employees varied with shortly after midnight, without warning, a the number of incoming immigrants; the disastrous fire broke out. The buildings of average staff ranged between 500 and pine went up in flames as if they had been 850 people. Often, as the flow of immi- made of paper. The slate roof of the Main grants increased, the need for employees­ Building crashed in within an hour and by exceeded the number of staff available. dawn there was hardly a trace of the station Most workers commuted to the island by left. Yet, not a single life was lost. ferryboat from Manhattan. Congress immediately appropriated $600,000 to replace the lost structures THE 1891 CHANGE IN with fireproof buildings. During the two and IMMIGRATION LAW a half years it took to rebuild the structures “ This experience has When Ellis Island opened in 1892, immi- on Ellis Island, the processing of immigrants changed me forever.” grants were facing stricter laws than ever was conducted at the U.S. Barge Office in before. The Contract Labor Law of 1885 was Battery Park. stiffened to exclude immigrants who were Conserving Lands. entering the country at the encouragement FROM THE ASHES Transforming Lives. of American employers and it was illegal for Five architectural firms in American employers to advertise. A more entered the government’s competition to Serve, support, learn more at comprehensive immigration law was passed rebuild the structures on Ellis Island; a small THESCA.ORG in the spring of 1891. firm called Boring & Tilton won the assign-

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later at a hotel. Railroad agents sold tickets ceased. Many European nations closed stricted. Organizations like the Immigration at inflated prices. Immigrants were com- their borders, seas were unsafe to travel Restriction League joined their voices with

Shutterstock pelled to buy box lunches they didn’t want and unemployment in America was on those of labor organizations anxious to re- for many times their value. Employees at the rise. duce the number of incoming immigrants. In the money exchange simply lied about Ellis Island became host to those who 1917, legislation was passed that specified 33 the exchange rates and then pocketed could not be admitted to the United States, classes of foreigners who could not be admit- the difference. Some American immigra- yet could not be returned to their original ted and also demanded literacy testing. The tion inspectors were discovered issuing homes. It served as an internment center new law greatly reduced the number of im- fake certificates of citizenship for a fee and for 1,500 German sailors and 2,200 sus- migrants for a while, but by 1921, the num- splitting the profits with ship officers. pected “aliens and spies.” ber of arrivals once again climbed to 500,000. When, in 1901, this greed-infested The large hospital was turned over to the New, stricter laws were enacted in 1921 and situation was brought to the attention War and Navy Departments for the care of a quota system went into effect in 1924. An- of President , the almost 700 wounded soldiers and sailors. other provision of the new laws stated that cleanup of Ellis Island began within a every immigrant was now to be inspected month. Several senior officials, includ- A SECOND THREAT OF OBLIVION at the American consular office in the immi- ing the commissioner of immigration and The Ellis Island Immigration Station was grant’s country of origin, rather than on arrival Only steerage passengers, like these arriving the head of the Bureau of Immigration in almost blown out of existence on July 30, in America. That changed the immigration from Europe, were processed at Ellis Island. Washington, D.C., were replaced. 1916. Black Tom Wharf, a railroad yard system forever. and barge-loading area, was located on the Proposals to close Ellis Island were made The new Ellis Island Main Building cost CLEANING UP THE CORRUPTION New Jersey shore only a few hundred yards as early as 1925, but immigrant process- more than $1.5 million to complete. It re- In April 1902, William Williams, a from Ellis Island. Here, railroad cars and 14 ing did not cease entirely until the end of opened on December 17, 1900. young lawyer, was appointed barges loaded with dynamite and muni- 1954, when only 21,500 immigrants, in all Despite the unquestioned physical supe- as the new commissioner. He awarded tions awaited transfer to freighters in the classes, passed through its portals. Dur- riority of the new immigration station, one new contracts for the food, money ex- bay. At about 2 a.m., saboteurs exploded ing World War II, the island served as a de- “oversight” was to have repercussions for change and baggage concessions solely the cargo, which resulted in two separate tention center for enemy foreigners. In years to come. In planning the reconstruc- on the basis of merit. He wanted the im- shocks of such magnitude that they were March 1955, Ellis Island was turned over tion, officials calculated that no more than a migrants to have only the best services felt in , 90 miles away. Bullets, half-million immigrants a year would pass available. Employees were harshly rep- bombs and shells exploded into the air for through New York on their way to new rimanded for drunkenness (once quite hours. Nearly 500 immigrants and 125 em- lives in America. It would prove to be a common), forbidden special favors (such ployees were asleep when the first blast Shutterstock gross miscalculation. as free passes from the railroads) and con- erupted. Almost every window on the island stantly reminded to treat immigrants with was broken instantly. Doors jammed inward “A DEN OF THIEVES” “kindness and consideration.” Within a and parts of roofs collapsed. With shells fly- As gracious as the new receiving sta- few months, his reform policies had com- ing over their heads like fireworks, the staff tion appeared on the outside, its insides pletely changed the atmosphere at Ellis led the immigrants to safety at the eastern were riddled with graft, corruption and Island. And not a moment too soon, for the corner of the island, and from there, onto cruelty for the next few years. Inspec- island’s busiest years were still ahead. In ferries that took them to the Manhattan tors demanded bribes from immigrants 1907 alone, 1.2 million people would pass Barge Office. No one was seriously who appeared to have money; if the bribe through the immigration station. injured, but the damage on Ellis Island was questioned, or slow in coming, an amounted to $400,000. The saboteurs were immigrant was detained. Other inspec- THE WAR YEARS never apprehended. tors would admit pretty young women on With the outbreak of in Au- With the end of the “Great War,” many More than 12 million immigrants passed the condition that the women meet them gust 1914, immigration to America all but were eager to see immigration re- through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.

16 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 17 ELLIS ISLAND HISTORY & CULTURE ELLIS ISLAND HISTORY & CULTURE

donations were devoted to the Ellis Island SOME WERE DESTINED FOR FAME Main Building project alone. These immigrants passed through Ellis Island and went on to illustrious careers.

Shutterstock Ellis Island was reopened and the im- Compiled by Barry Moreno, NPS Library, Ellis Island migration museum was dedicated on September 10, 1990, as a unit of the U.S. Listen to inter- Bob Hope, one of Department of the Interior’s National Park views with famous America’s immigrant Service. Today it is the Ellis Island National immigrants, such success stories, en- Museum of Immigration. as singer Al Jolson, tertained audiences To date, more than 20 million Americans in the Oral History around the world have contributed hundreds of millions to Collection. for more than six The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Founda- decades. tion’s restoration and preservation efforts

For 80 percent arrivals, the process of entering NPS NPS the countrry took only a few hours. and its support of park programs. The foundation recently completed The Name (Date of Birth–Death) Native Country Arrived Field to the General Services Administration— Peopling of America Center®, which book- Charles Atlas (1894–1972) 1903 Bodybuilding and a major era in American history came ends the Ellis Island era by telling the story to a close. of immigration to America before the pro- (1888–1989) Russia 1893 Music cessing station opened in 1892 and after it (1897–1991) Italy 1903 Film REBIRTH AND RENEWAL closed in 1954. The center’s exhibits explore Claudette Colbert (1903–1996) France 1906 Film/Theater For more than 20 years, Ellis Island was the past and present-day immigrant journey, Xavier Cugat (1900–1990) Spain/Cuba 1915 Music abandoned. Attempts to sell the property everything from the struggle after arrival, to Max Factor (1872–1936) Russia 1906 Cosmetics were made, but many bitterly opposed the later efforts to build communities and be- Fr. Edward Flanagan (1886–1948) Ireland 1904 Religion idea claiming, “to sell the island would be come citi­zens. For more details, visit liber- Felix Frankfurter (1882–1965) Austria 1894 Law cheap and tawdry.” tyellisfoundation.org. Beginning in 2000, Marcus Garvey (1887–1940) Jamaica 1916 Politics A study by the National Park Service was Save Ellis Island, Inc., a National Park Service (1883–1931) Lebanon 1895 Literature conducted during 1963–1964, outlining the partner, took on the stabilization and rehabili- Arshile Gorky (1904–1948) Armenia 1920 Art reasons why the island should become a tation of the remaining 30 buildings on Ellis Gayelord Hauser (1895–1984) 1911 Diet/Nutrition national monument, a reminder of part of Island. Most of these buildings served as the Dick Haymes (1918–1980) Argentina 1937/44 Music/Film our American heritage. The recommenda- U.S. Public Health Service hospital—at the Bob Hope (1903–2003) England 1908 Show Business tion was accepted and President Lyndon time, the largest of its kind—which was used Johnson officially proclaimed Ellis Island part for the inspection and treatment of 1.2 million Al Jolson (1886–1950) Lithuania 1894 Show Business of the Statue of Liberty National Monument ill immigrants. Since then, the Ferry Building Elia Kazan (1909–2003) Turkey 1913 Film/Theater on May 11, 1965. has been completely restored and open to Lin Yu’tang (1895–1976) China 1931 Literature In 1982, President asked the public, and the remaining hospital build- (1882–1956) Hungary 1921 Film/Theater , chairman of the board of Chrys- ings and dormitory have been stabilized. To Arthur Murray (1895–1991) Poland 1897 Dance ler Corporation of America, to help restore date, Save Ellis Island has raised more than Hyman G. Rickover (1898–1986) Russia 1904 U.S. Navy both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. $46 million, with the help of nearly 25,000 Edward G. Robinson (1893–1973) Romania 1903 Film The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Founda- individual supporters. Ultimately, these Knute Rockne (1888–1931) Norway 1893 Sports tion was formed to raise the $230 million buildings will become the Ellis Island In- Erich von Stroheim (1885–1957) Austria 1909 Film needed for the restoration of these two im- stitute and Conference Center, dedicated Arthur Tracy (1899–1997) Russia 1906 Music/Film portant national monuments. In the largest to the issues of world migration and health. Baron von Trapp & Family Austria 1938 Music restoration project of its kind in American his- To learn more about the project, please visit Johnny Weissmuller (1904–1984) Austria 1905 Film tory, $170 million in individual and corporate saveellisisland.org.

18 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 19 YOUR ANCESTORS

YOUR ANCESTORS AMERICAN FAMILY IMMIGRATION HISTORY CENTER®

On April 17, 2001, The Statue of Liberty-El- Was one of your ancestors an immigrant years), you are directly descended from lis Island Foundation, Inc., opened an exciting whose first step on American soil was at El- 126 people? Going back seven generations family history research facility, the Ameri- lis Island? Could your great-great-grandfather directly relates you to 252 people! That’s a can Family Immigration History Center®, or grandmother have walked through these lot of relatives to track. at the Ellis Island National Museum of Im- buildings in search of a new and better life? A fun and exciting way to begin tracking migration. An online version is accessible at Or, have both sides of your family been in the your genealogy is to create a family tree. libertyellisfoundation.org. It provides visi- United States for hundreds of years? A tree that goes back to your great-grand- tors with advanced computer and multimedia It’s likely that most of us would have parents includes just 14 people. If you technology for investigating immigration his- trouble answering these questions be- decide to collect information about your tory, family documentation and genealogical cause we don’t have a great deal of histor- great-great-grandparents as well, it’s 30 exploration. The records of nearly 65 million

ical information about our ancestors much people total. You might just find that one immigrants, passengers and crew members The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. beyond what our grandparents and other of your ancestors stood on Ellis Island and who entered through the Port of New York family members remember and have told began a new life here, leaving behind all and Ellis Island from 1820 to 1957 are avail- us about these times. that he or she had known. able in an electronic database for easy ac- Learn about your ancestors’ journey to America. For example, did you know that if you go A family tree records the names of your cess on 27 workstations. A passenger record Printouts of this information are available, back just six generations (that’s about 180 ancestors by generation. You may also provides an index covering 11 fields of as well as scanned reproductions of histori- information including: cal manifest pages, which can contain up • Immigrant’s Given Name to 31 fields of information on individual im- • Immigrant’s Surname migrants. In addition, pictures with historic • Ethnicity information on over 900 passenger ships that carried immigrants to America can be • Last Residence (Town and Country) obtained. • Date of Arrival More tools for exploring family history are • Age at Arrival available at libertyellisfoundation.org. • Gender Write to the foundation at: The Statue • Marital Status of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., 17 • Ship of Travel Battery Place, Suite 210, New York, NY • Port of Departure 10004, call (212) 561-4500 or visit the site at • Line Number on Manifest libertyellisfoundation.org. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.

want to collect the dates that were impor- idea of who you are. You will gain an ap- tant in their lives. These can include their preciation of your relatives’ struggles and date of birth, graduation from high school achievements as well as a greater respect or college, years of service in the armed for the beginnings of others. forces, marriage, birth of children and date For information on Ellis Island and Port of of death. The places where these major New York immigration records covering 1820 events happened are also important, so to1957, please visit the American Family Immi- if you can find out where something oc- gration History Center® at the Ellis Island Na-

Visitors can purchase prints of ship manifest pages and images of immigrant ships at the curred, all the better. By learn­ing about tional Museum of Immigration and online at American Family Immigration History Center®. your family history you’ll get a better libertyellisfoundation.org.

20 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 21 THE IMMIGRANT THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY work was in order and tickets had been was to be their prison for the rest of their JOURNEY purchased, some provision was usually ocean journey. made for the care of the emigrants wait- In his book, A Nation of Immigrants, John would send a prepaid ticket back home to ing for a ship. Steamship companies were STEP TWO: ON BOARD F. Kennedy writes, “There were probably as the next family member. It is believed that in required by the governments to watch were three types of accommoda- many reasons for coming to America as there 1890, between 25 and 50 percent of all immi- prospective passengers and, at most ports, tions on the ships that brought immigrants were people who came. It was a highly indi- grants arriving in America had prepaid tickets. the travelers were housed in private board- to America: first class, second class and vidual decision.” Historians agree that three In 1901, between 40 and 65 percent came ei- inghouses. Some port cities even boasted steerage. Only steerage passengers were social forces were the chief motivators for ther on prepaid tickets or with money sent to their own “emigrant hotels.” processed at Ellis Island. First- and second- the mass migration to America: religious per- them from the United States. After the 1893, U.S. immigration law class passengers were quickly and courte- secution, political oppression and economic Since all steerage tickets were sold went into effect, each passenger had to an- ously “inspected” onboard the ship before hardship. It is, however, almost impossible to without space reservations, obtaining a swer up to 31 questions (recorded on mani- being transferred to New York. relate such a combination of overwhelming ticket was easy. Principal shipping lines fest lists) before boarding the ship. These Steerage was enormously profitable circumstances to the experience of one im- had hundreds of agencies in the United questions included, among others: name, for steamship companies. Even though migrant, or even one family. States and freelance ticket agents traveled age, sex, marital status, occupation, nation- the average cost of a ticket was only Although more than 12 million people through parts of Europe, moving from vil- ality, ability to read or write, race, physical $30, larger ships could hold from 1,500 passed through Ellis Island on their way lage to village, selling tickets. ­After 1917, in and mental health, last residence, and the to 2,000 immigrants, netting a profit of to the promise of a better life in America, addition to a ticket, however, immigrants name and address of the nearest relative or $45,000 to $60,000 for a single, one- they walked through its gates one at a had to secure a passport from officials in friend in the immigrant’s country of origin. way voyage. The cost to feed a single im- time, individual by individual. Once the de- their home country. Immigrants were asked whether they had migrant was only about 60 cents a day! cision to leave had been made, what was For many, simply getting to the port was at least $25; whether they had ever been in For most immigrants, especially early ar- the journey like? the first major journey of their lives. They prison, an almshouse, or an institution; or if rivals, the experience of steerage was like a would travel by train, wagon, donkey or they were polygamists or anarchists. nightmare (at one time, the average passen- STEP ONE: LEAVING HOME even by foot. Sometimes travelers would Steamship lines were also held ac- ger mortality rate was 10 percent per voyage). For many, it was a family affair. Advice was have to wait days, weeks and even months countable for medical examinations of The conditions were so crowded, so dismally sought and help was freely given by moth- at the port, either for their paperwork to the immigrants before departing the port. dark, so unsanitary and so foul-smelling that ers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, be completed or for their ship to arrive be- Most seaport medical examinations were they were the single most important cause friends and even entire villages. It was not cause train schedules were not coordinated made by doctors employed by the steam- of America’s early immigration laws. Unfor- unusual for an entire family to work to earn with sailing dates. Assuming their paper- ship lines, but often the examination was tunately, the laws were almost impossible to the money for a single family member who too rapid to disclose anything but the enforce and steerage conditions remained wanted to make the trip. most obvious diseases and defects. Dis- deplorable, almost beyond belief. As late The practice of one member of a family go- infections (of both immigrants and bag- as 1911, in a report to President William

ing to America first and then saving to bring Shutterstock gage) and vaccinations were routinely H. Taft, the United States Immigration the others over was common. From 1900 to performed at the ports. Commission said: 1910, almost 95 percent of the immigrants Finally, with questions answered, medi- “The open deck space reserved for steer- arriving at Ellis Island were joining either fam- cal exams completed, vaccinations still age passengers is usually very limited, and ily or friends. Sometimes the father would stinging and disinfectant still stinking, the situated in the worst part of the ship, sub- come alone—to see if the streets really were immigrants were led to their accommoda- ject to the most violent motion, to the dirt paved with the of opportunity—before tions. Steerage passengers walked past from the stacks and the odors from the hold sending for his wife and family. Sometimes the tiny deck space, squeezed past the and galleys... the only provisions for eating the eldest son immigrated first and then sent ship’s machinery and were directed down are frequently shelves or benches along the for the next oldest, until the entire family was steep stairways into the enclosed lower sides or in the passages of sleeping com- in America. Often those who arrived first Emigrant women from the Caribbean. decks. They were now in steerage, which partments. Dining rooms are rare and, if

22 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 23 THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY

U.S. citizens were exempt from the Mrs. Liberty overcame us. No one spoke examination. Passengers were inspected a word for she was like a goddess and we

Shutterstock for possible contagious diseases such as know she represented the big, powerful cholera, plague, smallpox, typhoid fever, country which was to be our future home.” yellow fever, scarlet fever, and Just beyond the statue, about a half- diphtheria. Few cabin-class passengers mile to the northwest, was Ellis Island. were marked to be sent to Ellis Island After the ship had docked in Manhattan, for more complete examinations. For ex- while cabin passengers were being released ample, in 1905, of 100,000 cabin passen- to the freedom of New York, steerage passen- gers arriving in New York, only 3,000 had gers poured across the pier to a waiting area. to pass through Ellis Island for additional Each wore a name tag with the individual’s medical checks. During the same year, manifest number written in large figures. The 800,000 steerage passengers were exam- immigrants were then assembled into ined at the island. groups of 30, according to manifest After the visiting medical inspectors numbers, and were packed on the top decks climbed down ladders to their wait- of barges while their baggage was piled on ing cutter, the ship would finally move the lower decks. Immigrants traveling beyond New York City took ferries to train stations in Jersey City, Hoboken or north through leading to When they finally landed, with the Manhattan. and into the har- ground still swaying like waves beneath found, are often shared with berths installed with stories about rejections and deporta- bor. Slowly, the tip of Manhattan would their feet and the shrill shouts of a dozen along the walls. Toilets and washrooms tions at Ellis Island, circulated endlessly. come into view. different languages assaulting their ears, are completely inadequate; saltwater only There were rehearsals for answering the The first object to be seen, and the they met their first American, a name- is available. immigration inspectors’ questions and hour focus of every immigrant’s attention, was less interpreter. In retrospect, it may be “The ventilation is almost always inad- upon hour was spent learning the strange the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps her over- that these interpreters were the unsung equate, and the air soon becomes foul. The new language. whelming impact can best be described heroes of the entire immigration screen- unattended vomit of the seasick, the odors By the time the tiring trip approached its in the words of those who saw her in this ing process. Their patience and skill of not too clean bodies, the reek of food and long-awaited end, most immigrants were way for the first time: frequently helped save an immigrant the awful stench of the nearby toilet rooms in a state of shock: physically, mentally and “I thought she was one of the seven from deportation. make the atmosphere of the steerage such emotionally. Yet, even with the shores of a wonders of the world,” exclaimed a The average number of languages that it is a marvel that human flesh can en- new world looming before their eyes, and German nearing his 80th birthday. spoken by an interpreter was six, but a dure it... Most immigrants lie in their berths even with tears of relief streaming down A Polish man said, “The bigness of dozen languages (including dialects) was for most of the voyage, in a stupor caused their , their journey was not at an end. by the foul air. The food often repels them... It is almost impossible to keep personally STEP THREE: INSPECTION LEARN ABOUT THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE clean. All of these conditions are naturally Medical inspectors boarded incoming aggravated by the crowding.” ships in the area at the en- Save Ellis Island offers education programs to school groups in grades 4–12. During these hands- In spite of the miserable conditions, the im- trance to the Lower Bay of New York Har- on programs, students learn about the immigration process at Ellis Island during the years of 1892- migrants had faith in the future. To pass the bor. Ships were examined from 7 a.m. to 1954 and the fate of those immigrants who were not able to pass their inspections. Through the time—a crossing could take anywhere from 5 p.m. Vessels arriving after 5 p.m. had to use of artifacts, historic documents and photographs, students are able to walk in the footsteps a week to more than a month, depending anchor for the night. of immigrants as they discover the story of Ellis Island’s sick immigrants and the hospital complex on the ship and weather—they would play The quarantine examination was con- where doctors and nurses treated them. For more information on the school programs and how to cards, sing, dance and talk... talk... talk... ducted aboard ship and reserved for schedule one for your class, visit saveellisisland.org or email [email protected]. Rumors about life in America, combined first- or second-class cabin passengers.

24 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 25 THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY THE IMMIGRANT JOURNEY

not uncommon. The record for a single THEY CAME FROM ness and even death. (More than half of the day’s official rates, which were posted interpreter was 15 languages. MANY LANDS the medical detentions were because on a blackboard. Interpreters led groups through the main of this , and its discovery meant For immigrants traveling to cities or towns doorway and directed them up a steep Below is a breakdown by country of certain deportation.) beyond New York City, the next stop was the stairway to the Registry Room. Although the number of immigrants who passed If immigrants had any of the diseases railroad ticket office, where a dozen agents through Ellis Island from January 1892 to they did not realize it, the immigrants were proscribed by the immigration laws, or collectively sold as many as 25 tickets per June 1897, and from 1901 to 1931. already taking their first test: A doctor Exceptions to those years have been were too ill or feeble-minded to earn a liv- minute on the busiest days. Immigrants could stood at the top of the watching for noted in parentheses. ing, they would be deported. Sick children wait in areas marked for each independent signs of lameness, heavy breathing that age 12 or older were sent back to Europe railroad line in the ferry terminal. When it was might indicate a heart condition or “bewil- alone and were released in the port from reasonably near the time for their train’s de- dered gazes” that might be symptomatic of Italy 2,502,310 which they had come. Children younger parture, they would be ferried on barges to a mental condition. Russia 1,893,542 than 12 had to be accompanied by a par- the train terminals in Jersey City or Hoboken. As each immigrant passed, a doc- Hungary (1905 – 1931) 859,557 ent. There were many tearful scenes as Immigrants going to went on the tor, with an interpreter at his side, Austria (1905 – 1931) 768,132 families with a sick child decided who ferry to Manhattan. would examine the immigrant’s face, Austria-Hungary would go and who would stay. All that remained was to make arrange- hair, and hands. The doctor held a (1892 – 1904) 648,163 Immigrants who passed their medi- ments for their trunks, which were stored piece of chalk. On about two out of ev- Germany 633,148 cal exams were now ready to take the fi- in the baggage room, to be sent on to their ery ten or 11 immigrants who passed, England 551,969 nal test from the “primary line” inspector final destinations. he would scrawl a large white letter; Ireland 520,904 who was seated on a high stool with the With admittance cards, railroad or ferry that letter indicated whether or not that Sweden 348,036 ship’s manifest on a desk in front of him passes and box lunches in hand, the im- immigrant was to be detained for further Greece 245,058 and an interpreter at his side. This ques- migrants’ journey to and through Ellis medical inspection. Norway 226,278 tioning process was designed to verify Island was finally complete! For many Should an immigrant be suspected the 31 items of information contained it had begun months or even years be- Ottoman 212,825 of mental defects, an X was marked on the manifest. Since each “primary fore. Some, of course, still had more Scotland 191,023 high on the front of the right shoul- line” inspector had only about two min- traveling ahead of them—to the rocky The West Indies 171,774 der; an X within a circle meant some utes in which to decide whether each shores of New England, to the great Poland (1892 – 1897 and definite symptom had been detected. immigrant was “clearly and beyond a plains of the Midwest or to the orange 1920 – 1931) 153,444 And the “shorthand” continued: B indi- doubt entitled to land,” most of the immi- groves of California. 120,725 cated possible back problems; Pg, preg- grants received curt nods of approval and But whatever lay ahead, in their hearts France (including Corsica) 109,687 nancy; Sc, a scalp infection; and so on. were ­allowed to pass. In total, about 20 they could read the invisible sign that Denmark 99,414 If an immigrant was marked, he or she percent of those arriving at Ellis Island proclaimed, “Welcome to America.” Romania (1894 – 1931) 79,092 continued with the process and then were detained for medical treatment or a For information on Ellis Island and Port The 78,602 was directed to rooms set aside for legal hearing; the rest were free to go af- of New York immigration records covering Spain 72,636 further examination. ter only a few hours. Only two percent of 1820 to 1957, please visit the American Sometimes whole groups would be Armenia (1899 – 1931) 70,000 the immigrants seeking refuge in America Family Immigration History Center® at the made to bathe with disinfectant solu- 63,141 would fail to be admitted. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration tions before being cleared—not too Czechoslovakia (1920 – 1931) 48,140 and online at libertyellisfoundation.org. surprising, considering how many were Bulgaria (1901 – 1931) 42,085 STEP FOUR: BEYOND ELLIS ISLAND unable to bathe during the crossing. 27,113 Those with landing cards pinned on Yugoslavia (1920 – 1931) 25,017 Again the line moved on. The next group their clothes next moved to the money ex- TAKE YOUR MOMENTS AND of doctors were the dreaded “eye men.” (1920 – 1931) 7,833 change. Here six cashiers exchanged gold, SHARE WITH US They were looking for symptoms of tra- 1,103 silver and paper money, from countries all TELL US! choma, an eye disease that caused blind- over Europe, for American dollars, based on

26 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 27 STATUE OF LIBERTY STATUE OF LIBERTY AT A GLANCE PLAN YOUR VISIT

Nowhere else on Earth is there a sym- designed the Tower. The statue’s ped- GENERAL INFORMATION HOURS bol that expresses the concept and ideals estal was designed by American architect For general information, visit nps.gov/stli, The Statue of Liberty National Monument of personal freedom as dramatically as the . call (212) 363-3200 or write: Statue of Lib- is open every day except Thanksgiving and Statue of Liberty. Exhibit: Opened in May 2019, the erty National Monument, , New Christmas days. Departure times vary, so Perhaps it is fitting that hundreds of thou- , celebrates the York, NY 10004. A new Statue of Liberty Mu- please check statuecruises.com for more sands of ordinary people on both sides of Statue of Liberty’s history, influence, and seum will open in early summer 2019. information. the Atlantic contributed hundreds of thou- legacy in the world, on Liberty Island. The sands of dollars to her construction and that new 26,000-square-foot museum features ENTRANCE FEE DINING millions more contributed millions of dollars three gallery spaces, each meant to inspire There is no admission fee to visit The Crown Café serves tasty American to ensure her continued existence. visitors and educate them about Lady Lib- Liberty Island or the Statue of Liberty food, including organic, local and healthy The Statue of Liberty may have been cre- erty in interactive and thought-provoking pedestal, though donations are ac- menu options. It has indoor seating, plus ated by the genius of a few visionaries, but ways. The museum experience culminates cepted. There is a $3 fee to enter the an outdoor patio with seating that over- the concept she represents speaks to the with an up-close view of Liberty’s most statue’s crown, and advance reservations looks New York Harbor. During the warmer minds and resonates in the hearts of ordi- iconic symbol—her original torch—held are required. Beware of scammers attempt- months, kiosks located throughout the nary men and women everywhere. high for nearly 100 years and still a touch- ing to sell phony tickets in the street. Buy island offer hot and cold food, soft serve ice stone of the light Liberty shines from gener- ferry tickets online or at the official office cream, pretzels and cold beverages, including ABOUT THE STATUE ation to generation. Access to the museum only. freshly squeezed orange juice. Size and Weight: Statue: 151 feet tall, is free with the purchase of a ferry ticket nearly 225 tons, over iron and steel. to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Tickets can be Pedestal: 89 feet tall, granite. From ground purchased at statuecruises.com. The new GET SOCIAL to tip of flame: 305 feet and one inch. museum is part of a $100 million Liberty @Find out even more about the park by following along on social media! Here’s a quick rundown of Designers: Frédéric-Auguste Bar- Island-wide beautification effort that’s be- where you can find the park and its partner organizations online. tholdi, born in Colmar, France, in 1834. ing funded by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis The interior iron framework was designed Island Foundation. For more information Statue of Liberty and Federal custodian of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Ellis Island NPS Island; @StatueEllisNPS, statueellisnps by Alexandre-, who also visit statueoflibertymuseum.org. Eastern National Nonprofit association operating bookstores on Lib- erty and Ellis Islands; @EasternNational

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Save Ellis Island Nonprofit organization working to rehabilitate the Park Information (212) 363-3200 nps.gov/elis; nps.gov/stli remaining buildings on Ellis Island; @saveellisisland Emergencies (646) 356-2205 The Statue of Liberty- Nonprofit organization that has created Ferryboat Information (877) 523-9849 statuecruises.com Ellis Island Foundation museums on both islands, as well as The Ameri- can Immigrant Wall of Honor® and the American Lost and Found (212) 363-3200 Family Immigration History Center®; Dining, Gifts and Catering (212) 363-3180 thestatueofliberty.com @StatueEllisFdn, statueellisfdn Bookstores (877-628-7275 eparks.com Evelyn Hill Operates cafés and gift shops at Liberty and Ellis Is- Audio Tours (877) 523-9849 statuecruises.com lands and hosts special events on both; American Immigrant Wall of Honor (212) 561-4588 libertyellisfoundation.org @evelynhill_inc Statue Cruises Official ferry, ticketing and information company for Family History Center (212) 561-4588 libertyellisfoundation.org the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; @StatueCruises Hard Hat Tours (973) 383-1080 saveellisisland.org

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GIFT SHOP AND BOOKSTORE • Large bags and weapons of any kind are Books about the Statue of Liberty and not permitted. TRANSPORTATION & TOURS immigration are available at the gift pavil- • No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing ion and bookstore. Other items such as gum in the monument. TRANSPORTATION T-shirts, mugs, keychains, and a • Students must be chaperoned at all Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry: wide variety of souvenirs can also be pur- times by one teacher or adult for each Boats leave from Battery Park, Manhattan, Statue Cruises chased at the gift pavilion. group of 10 students. and from Liberty State Park, New Jersey. • A permit must be obtained for commer- Hours of Operation: Ferries run about every MEDICAL cial photography at the Statue of Liberty. 30 to 45 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m., with ex- First aid is available in the administra- Tripods are not allowed. tended hours in summer and during holidays. tion building across from the bookstore • There is no vehicle access to Liberty Island. Schedules are subject to change. There are no and monument. Ask any park ranger to • Camping is not permitted on the island. ferries on Thanksgiving or Christmas days. For escort you there. Hospitals are located in • No pets are allowed with the exception updated schedule information, contact Statue New York and New Jersey. of service animals. Cruises. Ferry Fees (include Liberty and Ellis PARK REGULATIONS SPECIAL EVENTS AND MEETINGS islands and audio tours for each): Adults (ages The following regulations are intended to Liberty Island may be utilized for private 13 to 61): $18.50; senior citizens (age 62 and enhance your enjoyment of the Statue of evening events of up to 1,200 people. Day- over): $14; children (ages 4 to 12): $9; kids under Crown Tickets: To enter the statue itself, Liberty. These guidelines protect the mon- time picnics and barbecues are also avail- 4 ride free. Rates are subject to change. including the crown area inside the statue’s ument and you, the visitor. able during regular park visiting hours. For Ticket and Schedule Information: Visit head, you must purchase a $3 crown ticket • All visitors must pass through security more information, please contact Evelyn statuecruises.com or call (877) 523-9849. well in advance of your visit. This ticket also screening before boarding ferries and Hill, Inc., at (201) 333-7819. includes full access to the pedestal and ob- again prior to entering the monument. TOURING LIBERTY ISLAND servation deck. During busy periods, crown SPECIAL SERVICES - A ferry ticket is all you need to visit the tickets must be booked three to four months Most facilities, including elevators, re- Liberty Island grounds The Statue of Lib- in advance, at the time you purchase a re- strooms and the statue’s pedestal, are erty Museum, and the Ellis Island National serve ferry ticket.

Shutterstock accessible. All exhibits are wheelchair- Museum of Immigration. Ranger-led Tours: Visitors can join a free accessible. To reach the crown, visitors Pedestal Tickets: To enter the base of 30- to 45-minute ranger-guided tour around must be able to climb stairs. Tactile exhib- the statue, you must obtain a free pedes- the grounds of Liberty Island to learn about its and audio tapes are available for visitors. tal ticket. This ticket allows you to go inside the statue’s history, construction and mean- Video exhibits have subtitles and audio tour the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, look ing. Check at the Liberty Island Information wands have screens that offer American up into the interior structure of the statue, Center for times throughout the day. Sign Language. Assisted listening devices and take in the sweeping 360-degree views For information about programs and tours are available. A limited number of wheel- from the pedestal observation deck. for school groups, please visit nps.gov/stli chairs are available on both Liberty and El- Pedestal tickets may be obtained at the or call (212) 363-3200. To reserve a school lis Islands. Contact a ranger for assistance. time you purchase your ferry ticket. Avail- program, please call (201) 432-6321. ability of pedestal tickets is limited, so it’s Audio Tours: Customizable self-guided VISITOR FACILITIES best to make a reservation in advance. A audio tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Restrooms, refreshmentsand and ATM limited number of pedestal tickets are also Island for adults and children are included are available on Liberty Island. Guests available each day at the ticket booth at Bat- with each ferry ticket. See the “Plan Your may also bring their own food. Large cool- tery Park or Liberty State Park by request Visit” chapter of the Ellis Island section for The official name of the Statue of Liberty is ers will not be allowed through security on a first come, first-served basis. more information. “Liberty Enlightening the World.”. screening.

30 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 31 STATUE OF LIBERTY HISTORY & CULTURE STATUE OF LIBERTY HISTORY & CULTURE to independence and thereby showed that times, so the artistic style of the 19th cen- the French government was also dedi- tury came to be known as “neoclassical.” cated to the idea of human liberty?” The Statue of Liberty would be patterned “To the sculptor, form is everything and is ica’s success in establishing a demo- Laboulaye’s question struck a responsive after the goddess , the Roman nothing. It is nothing without cratic government and abolishing chord in one of his guests, Frédéric-Auguste of freedom. the spirit—with the idea it is at the end of the Civil Bartholdi, a successful, 31-year-old sculptor But it was a trip to that shifted everything.” War. The dinner was hosted from Colmar, a town in the eastern province Bartholdi’s artistic perspective from sim- – Victor Hugo, May 13, 1885 by Edouard René of , France. ply grand to colossal. The overwhelming Lefebvre de Labou- Years later, recalling the dinner, Bar- size and mysterious majesty of the Pyra- “THE TWO SISTERS” laye. Laboulaye tholdi wrote that Laboulaye’s idea “in- mids and the Sphinx were awesome to the America probably could not was a scholar, terested me so deeply that it remained enthusiastic young Bartholdi. He wrote, have won its freedom from the jurist, aboli- fixed in my memory.” So was sown the “Their kindly and impassive glance seems British during the American Rev- tionist and a seed of inspiration that would become to ignore the present and to be fixed upon olution without the help of the leader of the the Statue of Liberty. an unlimited future.” French. France provided arms, “liberals,” the In 1870, with the beginning of the ships, money and men to the political group FRÉDÉRIC-AUGUSTE BARTHOLDI Franco-Prussian War, Bartholdi served as American colonies. Some dedicated to The sculptor who designed the Statue a major in the French Army in his home- Frenchmen—most notably the establishing a of Liberty, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, was town. When the Germans annexed the Marquis de Lafayette, a close French republican born into a well-to-do family in Colmar on entire Alsace region, making its residents friend of — government. , 1834. German citizens, the reality of the word even became high-ranking officers During the evening, Bartholdi began his career as a painter, “liberty” took on a new, personal meaning in the American Army. It was an al- talk turned to the close but it was as a sculptor that he was to ex- for Bartholdi. liance of respect and friendship that historic ties and love of press his true spirit and gain his greatest In time, France’s Third Republic would the French would not forget. liberty the two nations fame. His first commission for a public emerge out of the ruins of the Franco- Almost 100 years later, in shared. Laboulaye noted monument came to him at the young age Prussian War. Meanwhile, partially as 1865, after the end of the Ameri- that there was “a genu- of 18. It was for a statue of one of Colmar’s to advance the cause of can Civil War, several French ine flow of sympathy” be- native sons, General Jean Rapp, a leader those who were seeking the creation of a intellectuals, who were op- tween the two nations and of Napoléon Bonaparte’s army. Even at 18, French Republic, Laboulaye suggested that posed to the oppressive re- he called France and Amer- Bartholdi loved bigness. The statue of the Bartholdi should travel to America. gime of Napoléon III, were ica, “the two sisters.” general was 12 feet tall and was created in In recalling his conversation with at a small dinner party. As he continued speaking Bartholdi’s studio, where the ceiling was Laboulaye several years later, Bar- They discussed and reflecting on the centen- only one inch higher. The statue estab- tholdi wrote, “‘Go to see that country,’ their admiration nial of American indepen- lished his reputation as a sculptor of note said he [Laboulaye] to me. ‘Propose for Amer- dence only 11 years in and led to many commissions for similar, to our friends over there to make with the future, Labou- oversized, patriotic works. us a monument, a common work, in laye commented, A man of his time, Bartholdi wasn’t remembrance of the ancient friendship of “Wouldn’t it alone in his passion for art on a grand scale. France and the United States. If... you find be wonderful if During the , large-scale public a plan that will excite public enthusiasm, people in France monuments were an especially popular art we are convinced that it will be successful gave the United form. It was an age of ostentation, largely on both continents, and we will do a work of Library States a great inspired by classical Greek and Roman civi- that will have far-reaching moral effect.’” monument as a lizations. Most monuments reflected either So Bartholdi was now to become a lasting memorial the dress or architecture of these ancient salesman. Armed with letters of introduc-

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many prominent Americans he met, inclu- Its craftsmen were experts in the art ing techniques: a signed and numbered ding President Ulysses S. Grant, Henry of repoussé, a technique for creat- collection of clay models of the statue FUN FACTS Wadsworth Longfellow, Horace Greeley ing sculptural forms by hammering were sold in France and America. Ulti- and Senator Charles Sumner. sheet metal inside molds. Lighter than mately, about 400,000 francs ($250,000) Q. WHY IS THERE A His trip across America filled him with casting metal, repoussé was the only were raised for the statue’s construction. CHAIN AROUND amazement. He wrote, “Everything in Amer- method available that would allow such LADY LIBERTY’S ica is big... Here, even the peas are big.” a monumental work to be shipped over- FOOT? FINI! Everywhere he went, he enthusiastically seas. The intricate skeleton for the At last, in June 1884, Liberty received her A. Protruding from the promoted a sketch and a model he carried statue was designed by famed engineer final touches. (In May 1883, Laboulaye died bottom of the statue’s of the statue as it would appear on Bed- Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, already of a heart ailment, never to see his dream robe, the broken chains symbolize her loe’s island in New York Harbor. Americans known for his brilliant iron railroad bridges come to life.) She was dedicated with much free forward movement. Lady Liberty enlightens the world with her torch free seemed receptive to the idea of a statue and later celebrated for the . pomp and circumstance by French Prime from oppression and servitude. dedicated to “Liberty Enlightening the Bartholdi was chosen as an official Minister Jules Ferry and U.S. Ambassa- World” (the official name for the statue), French representative to the International dor Levi P. Morton. When Bartholdi invited but no one was willing to make a commit- Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in the celebrating party to join him in climbing For answers to all your questions, ment of money or a building site. 1876. With three major sculptures on the statue’s steps, however, few accepted go to .com OhRanger Back in France, Laboulaye was waiting view at the Exhibition, Bartholdi’s name the challenge. until the Third Republic became a reality to was becoming known in America. Until the spring of 1885, when she was tion from Laboulaye to some of America’s publicize the idea of the statue. Upon his re- So the 30-foot arm of Liberty traveled dismantled for the long voyage to America, most influential men, Bartholdi sailed to turn, Bartholdi completed other projects, all to Philadelphia in 1876. For 50 cents, a Liberty remained in , the hostess to New York in 1871. the while refining his ideas and design for visitor could climb a steel ladder to the thousands of French visitors. “the American statue.” balcony around the torch. A good deal of BARTHOLDI IN AMERICA With the establishment of the Third Re- enthusiasm was generated for the project, FUNDRAISING IN AMERICA Recounting his entrance into New York public in 1875, Laboulaye and Bartholdi since Liberty would be the first statue one While the statue was nearing comple- Harbor, Bartholdi wrote, agreed that “the lady’s” time had come. could climb inside. tion in France, little was happening on the “The picture that is presented to the view Because the project would be extremely When Liberty’s gleaming copper head American side. when one arrives in New York is marvelous, expensive, they decided its cost should be appeared at the 1878 Paris World’s Fair, The American press continued to be when, after some days of voyaging, in the shared: France would pay for the statue; she was a sensation. She wasn’t sen- critical of the project, especially of its cost. pearly radiance of a beautiful morning is re- America would pay for its pedestal and sational enough, however, to solve the

vealed the magnificent spectacle of those foundation. A fundraising committee called never-ending problem of raising the money NPS immense cities [ and Manhattan], the Franco-American Union was formed to complete her construction. of those rivers extending as far as the eye with members from both nations. can reach, festooned with masts and flags; Elaborate fundraising events were FUNDRAISING IN FRANCE when one awakes, so to speak, in the midst staged, yet the money was slow in com- Someone with the Franco-American Union of that interior sea covered with vessels... ing. Enough was collected to begin work had an inspiration: They would hold a lottery. it is thrilling. It is, indeed, the New World, on the statue, but the goal of completing Since very few contributions were coming which appears in its majestic expanse, with it in time for America’s 100th anniversary from France’s moneyed elite, the idea of en- the ardor of its glowing life.” was impossible. gaging the public’s attention with a lottery New York Harbor was the perfect lo- was a brilliant one. The prizes were highly cale, he added, since it was “where WORK BEGINS coveted and valuable, including two works people get their first view of the New Bartholdi selected Gaget, Gauthier by Bartholdi himself. This original torch, now on World.” Intelligent, warm, persuasive and Company as the foundry where Additional funds were raised in a man- display inside the new Statue of and charming, Bartholdi impressed the the sculpture was to be constructed. ner worthy of contemporary merchandis- Liberty Museum, was replaced in 1986.

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They couldn’t understand why the pedestal newspaper called the World; he already should cost as much as the statue itself. owned the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. When Congress rejected a bill appropriating he heard that the Statue of Liberty was $100,000 for the base. New York approved about to die from lack of funds, he saw his a grant of $50,000, but the expenditure was chance to take advantage of three distinct vetoed by the . opportunities: to raise funds for the statue, Many Americans outside of New York to increase his newspaper’s circulation and considered it New York’s statue. “Let New to blast the rich for their selfishness. York pay for it,” they said, while America’s Pulitzer set the fundraising goal of the newly rich, self-made millionaires were World at $100,000. In its pages he taunted saying and contributing nothing. The the rich (thereby increasing the paper’s American half of the Franco-American appeal among working-class people) and Union, led by William M. Evarts, held firmly planted the notion that the statue the usual fundraising events, but public was a monument not just for New York City apathy was almost as monumental as but, indeed, for all of America. the statue itself. Perhaps Pulitzer’s cleverest ploy was By 1884, after years of fundraising, only the promise to publish the name of every $182,491 had been collected and $179,624 single contributor in the pages of the World, had been spent. It took the intervention no matter how small the contribution. The of and the power of the statue, he said, was paid for by “the masses media to make a difference. of the French people. Let us respond in like manner. Let us not wait for the millionaires PULITZER TO THE RESCUE to give this money. It is not a gift from the Joseph Pulitzer was a Hungarian immi- millionaires of France to the millionaires of AD grant who fought in the Civil War, became a America, but a gift of the whole people of successful journalist and married a wealthy France to the whole people of America.” The woman. In 1883, he bought a financial circulation of the World increased by almost 50,000 copies.

NPS African American newspapers joined in the effort, encouraging their readers to contribute to a monument that would, in part, commemorate the end of slavery. So the money poured in, as single-dollar donations from grandmothers and pennies from the piggybanks of schoolchildren. On , 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived at Bedloe’s Island inside 214 wooden packing crates. On August 11, 1885, the front page of Bartholdi, at lower right without hat, oversees the World proclaimed, “ONE HUNDRED workers covering the hand and arm with THOUSAND DOLLARS!” The goal had been plaster. Wooden molds were built around the plaster and then used to shape Liberty’s copper reached, and slightly exceeded, thanks to “skin.” more than 120,000 contributions.

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THE PLACE ON WHICH SHE STANDS than one million people who lined New roared, bands played... and Evarts sat the statue as a rallying symbol on posters The architect for Liberty’s pedestal, York’s streets, draped with red, white and down. When it was President ’s designed to raise funds. The government Richard Morris Hunt, was a highly re- blue and French tricolor bunting, to watch turn to speak, he said, “We will not forget sold about $15 billion worth of bonds, spected and popular designer of expen- a parade of more than 20,000 pass by. Wall that Liberty has made here her home, nor equal to about half the cost of World War I. sive homes. He designed an 89-foot-high Street was the only area of the city work- shall her chosen altar be neglected.” President declared pedestal that would sit upon a concrete ing on the day of Liberty’s unveiling. The the Statue of Liberty to be a national foundation that would appear to grow up New York Times reported that as the parade LIBERTY’S FIRST 100 YEARS monument on October 15, 1924. In 1933, from within the 11-pointed, star-shaped passed by, the office boys “from a hun- At the time of the Statue of Liberty’s ded- the National Park Service took over its walls of the existing Fort Wood. His dred windows began to unreel the spools ication, she was the tallest structure in New administration and maintenance. fee for the project was $1,000, which of tape that record the fateful messages of York, reaching a total height of 305 feet. It The French-American Committee for he returned to the fund to reassemble the ‘ticker.’ In a moment the air was white wasn’t until 1899 that she was overtaken the Restoration of the Statue of Liberty the statue. with curling streamers.” And so the famous by Saint Paul’s Building, which rose to 310 was established in 1981. Following an ini- General Charles P. Stone was the New York ticker-tape parade was born. feet. Lady Liberty remains the visual and tial diagnostic report for the NPS, it was chief engineer in charge of the entire con- Dignitaries from both nations were in spiritual center of New York Harbor. determined that substantial work needed struction project, including the founda- attendance. Representing America were In 1903, one of the most memorable to be done. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis tion, the pedestal and the reassembly of President and his cabi- changes to the statue occurred without Island Foundation was then formed to the statue. Liberty’s foundation alone re- net, as well as the fanfare or publicity. A tablet was raise funds and oversee any needed resto- quired 24,000 tons of concrete, the larg- and his staff. The French ambassador at- fastened to an interior wall of the ped- ration. As in the past, private contributions est single mass ever poured at that time. tended, accompanied by the French Com- estal. Cast as a part of the plaque was a were the backbone of the foundation’s It measures 52 feet, 10 inches in height. mittee. Most ironically, members of some poem written in 1883 that has become success. In fact, no government funds At the bottom, it is 91 feet square, and at of America’s wealthiest families—the same the credo for thousands of immigrants were used; $87 million went directly to the top, it is 65 feet square. The pedestal families who had not contributed a single coming to America. the statue’s restoration. rises 89 feet above the foundation. cent to the statue’s pedestal—now jock- The poem, “,” was On , 1986, America threw a cen- The Statue of Liberty began to rise over eyed for seats of prominence. New York, written by to help raise tennial party for the Statue of Liberty, her new home in America in May of 1886. reported the World, “was one vast cheer.” funds for the construction of the statue’s orchestrated by the foundation—a full It would take six months to mount the Out on the water, the fog rolled in and pedestal. Today, many people think of weekend of events called “Liberty Week- statue to her base. out. The harbor teemed with ships of all the statue and poem as inseparable. end.” With a golden sunset glowing in the sizes. Bartholdi stood alone in the head of In 1916, the World once again raised background, President Ronald Reagan THE DREAM ACCOMPLISHED the statue. He was to pull a cord that would its voice to raise funds on behalf of the declared, “We are the keepers of the On October 25, 1886, Bartholdi and his drop the French tricolor veil from the face statue. This time, the goal was to flood- ; we hold it high for the wife, accompanied by Viscount Ferdinand- of the statue. For his cue, Bartholdi was to light the statue at night. The paper’s world to see.” Later, the president Marie de Lesseps, chairman of the Franco- watch for a signal from a boy on the ground readers contributed $30,000 and the pressed a button that sent a laser beam American Union, arrived in America. They below, who would wave a handkerchief. torch was also redesigned in glass. across the water toward the statue. were greeted by the American Committee The signal would come when Senator From the time of the Revolutionary War, Slowly, dramatically, majestically, a light and Joseph Pulitzer. At Bedloe’s Island, sur- William M. Evarts, considered one of the the female figure Columbia was generally show unveiled Liberty and her new torch, rounded by newspaper reporters recording more talented orators of his time, finished regarded as the symbol for America, but while spectacular fireworks exploded his words for posterity, Bartholdi simply said, his presentation speech. the statue’s increased visibility and popu- across the sky. With an entire nation “The dream of my life is accomplished.” Evarts began his speech, stopped mo- larity during World War I easily shifted watching—along with 1.5 billion televi- mentarily to take a breath, and the boy, America’s symbolic loyalties. Liberty’s fea- sion viewers around the world—and THE UNVEILING OF “THE LADY” thinking the speech was over, gave Bar- tures appeared everywhere; she became a thousands of people filled with gratitude, Unveiling day, October 28, 1886, was de- tholdi the signal. Bartholdi pulled the cord, kind of female equivalent to . To one wonders how Bartholdi and Labou- clared a public holiday. The rainy, foggy day revealing the statue’s gleaming copper help finance U.S. participation in the war, laye might have felt as Liberty enlight- could not dampen the spirits of the more face to the world. Whistles blasted, guns the Treasury Department authorized using ened the world that historic weekend.

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THE NPS IN NYC newspaper publisher, was imprisoned and a wide range of recreational activities. Nat- tried here for libel against the British royal uralists can explore the living world in the governor. His acquittal established the largest natural open space in New York. The National Park Service sites located For more information, please call freedom of the press, which was later de- The park has three geographic units: in New York City are as diverse and historic (212) 637-2019 or visit nps.gov/afbg. fined in the Bill of Rights. Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Staten Is- as the city itself. In one day you can get an In October 1765, City Hall, as it was then land, New York City; and , introduction to fascinating people in Ameri- named, hosted the . Brooklyn and , New York City. can history, escape from the concrete NATIONAL MONUMENT Delegates of nine of the 13 colonies as- Gateway National Recreation Area has jungle, visit the homes and tombs of presi- Located at the southern tip of Manhat- sembled to claim entitlement to the same no entrance fees. From Memorial Day dents, go beachcombing or see where our tan Island, Castle Clinton, named in honor rights as the residents of Britain; here, they weekend to Labor Day there are parking nation was born! For an overview of NPS of Dewitt Clinton, a former mayor and famously protested the colonies’ “taxation fees at Sandy Hook and Jacob Riis sites in New York City, visit nps.gov/npnh governor of New York, is a circular sand- without representation.” After the Ameri- Park. Please call (718) 354-4606 or visit or nyharborparks.org. stone fort that highlights the diverse his- can Revolution, the nps.gov/gate for more information. tory of New York as well as the nation. met at City Hall, and in 1787 adopted the AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND Originally known as Southwest Battery, it establishing proce- NATIONAL MONUMENT was built to stop a British invasion in 1812; dures for creating new states. NATIONAL MEMORIAL From the late 1600s until the mid-1790s, it never saw action. A subsequent land- When the Constitution was ratified in General Grant National Memorial, also both free and enslaved Africans were bur- fill joined the fort with mainland Manhat- 1788, New York became the first capital known as Grant’s Tomb, is a mausoleum ied in an approximately seven-acre burial tan. The U.S. Army stopped using the fort of the United States. Pierre L’Enfant was containing the body of Ulysses S. Grant, ground in , outside the in 1821. commissioned to remodel City Hall for the Union General, 18th President of the boundaries of the settlement of New Am- Renamed Castle Garden in 1855, it be- new federal government. The First Con- United States, and signer of the act that sterdam, later known as New York. Lost came the New York State immigrant pro­ gress assembled here and wrote the Bill of established Yellowstone, the world’s first to history due to landfill and development, cessing facility (the nation’s first such Rights. On , 1789, George Wash- national park. The structure is situated in the grounds were rediscovered in 1991 as entity). It is generally accepted that more ington was inaugurated as the first presi- Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson a consequence of the planned construction than 8 million immigrants were processed dent of the United States at . River. New York City was chosen as the of a federal office building. through Castle Garden, until 1890, when The current structure, one of the best tomb’s site so his wife, Julia Dent Grant The memorial, completed in 2007, hon- the building was ceded to the federal surviving examples of classical architecture (also entombed here), could visit frequently ors the memories of the estimated 15,000 government took control of immigration in New York, was built as the country’s and because Grant was grateful to New Africans buried at the site. It is located at processing. first Customs House, opening in 1842. In Yorkers for their affection in his later years. the corner of Duane and Elk streets and From 1896 to 1941, Castle Clinton 1862, Customs moved to The mausoleum, thought to be the larg- is open from Tuesday through Saturday, served as the New York City Aquarium, and the building became the U.S. Sub-Trea- est in the country, was paid for by public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from April 1 through the city’s most popular attraction. After the sury. Millions of dollars of gold and silver subscription. More than 1 million people October 31. aquarium moved to , the build- were kept in the basement vaults until the attended Grant’s funeral parade in 1885. The visitor center, located on the ing was ceded to the federal government. Bank replaced the Sub- For more information, call (646) 670-7251 ground floor of the Ted Weiss Federal For information, call (212) 344-7220 or Treasury system in 1920. or visit nps.gov/gegr. Building at 290 in Lower Man- visit nps.gov/cacl or thebattery.org. Please call (212) 825-6990 or visit hattan, features interpretive exhibits, a nps.gov/feha for information about spe- theater and a museum shop. All visitors FEDERAL HALL cial events, programs and activities. NATIONAL MONUMENT must go through airport-style screen- NATIONAL MEMORIAL Governors Island is located in New York ing before entering. The visitor center is The original Federal Hall was the site of GATEWAY NATIONAL Harbor, off the coast of Lower Manhattan. open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 some of the most important legislative ac- RECREATION AREA For more than 200 years, the island was a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Thanksgiving tions in the United States. Covering more than 26,000 acres in two used for military purposes. Its most historic and Christmas. In 1735, , an American states, Gateway National Recreation Area 22 acres, including and Castle

40 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 41 THE NPS IN NYC WHO’S WHO AT Williams, are now managed by the National LOWER TENEMENT Park Service. The NPS welcomes visitors MUSEUM NATIONAL THE PARK during spring, summer and fall for picnicking, HISTORIC SITE guided tours, special events and car-free bike The site preserves a six-story brick tene- NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) vate partnership has raised more than $70 riding. Both the ferry ride to the island and the ment, home to an estimated 7,000 people The NPS is the federal custodian of the million to stabilize the buildings; restore promenade that rings the island’s perimeter from more than 20 nations between 1863 Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It pre- and open the magnificent Ferry Building offer stunning views of the New York City and 1935. Tour the tenement’s cramped liv- serves and protects the environmental and Hospital Laundry Building; and launch skyline and the Statue of Liberty. ing spaces to learn about the lives of past and cultural values of our national parks, public and private programs, including the Governors Island can be accessed residents and the history of the Lower East monuments and recreation areas, and pro- popular guided Hard Hat tour of the aban- seasonally via a ferry that leaves from Side. The museum and tenement are open vides for their public use. For information, doned hospital complex. For information Maritime Building, located for public tours, plays, art exhibits and read- contact: National Park Service, Statue of regarding the Save Ellis Island foundation, in Lower Manhattan. For more informa- ings that highlight the immigrant experi- Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, tours or education programs, please visit tion about the island, call (212) 825-3054 ence. For more information, please call New York, NY 10004; (212) 363-3200, or saveellisisland.org. or visit nps.gov/gois or govisland.com. (877) 975-3786 or visit nps.gov/loea or visit nps.gov/stli. tenement.org. EASTERN NATIONAL HAMILTON GRANGE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY-ELLIS Eastern National is a nonprofit cooper- NATIONAL MEMORIAL THEODORE FOUNDATION, INC. ating association that operates stores at This National Memorial preserves the BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL This nonprofit organization has raised more than 150 national parks and related home of Founding Father Alexander Hamil- HISTORIC SITE hundreds of millions of dollars and over- sites. Its Liberty and Ellis Island stores sell ton. Born and raised in the West Indies, Ham­ Theodore Roosevelt was born in a brown- seen restorations of the Statue of Liberty books, music, movies, stationery, national ilton came to New York in 1772 at age 17 to stone house at 28 E. 20th Street, Manhattan, and Ellis Island. The foundation created park passports and gifts. Net proceeds from study at King’s College (now Columbia Uni­ on October 27, 1858, and lived in it until he the Ellis Island National Museum of Immi- sales are donated to the NPS. Contact them versity). He served as a military officer, prac- was 14 years old. The original structure was gration, The American Immigrant Wall of at (347) 658-1408 or visit eparks.com. ticed law, was a member of the United States demolished in 1916 and rebuilt in 1919 by the Honor®, the American Family Immigration Constitutional Convention and was the first Women’s Roosevelt Memorial Association. History Center®, and restored five build- EVELYN HILL, INC. United States Secretary of the Treasury. The site was subsequently refurbished with ings on Ellis Island. The foundation also Evelyn Hill, Inc., operates cafés and The Grange, named after Hamilton’s grand- many of the original furnishings donated by funded safety improvements at the Statue gift shops at Liberty and Ellis Islands un- father’s estate in Scotland, was the only the President’s widow, Edith, and his sisters, of Liberty so she could re-open her doors der a concession contract with the NPS. home Hamilton ever owned. The two-story and now serves as a museum to the life and to the public in 2004. The foundation also A third-generation family business be- frame Federal style house has been moved contributions of the 26th President of the funded The Peopling of America Center® gun by Aaron Hill, the company plans and twice from its original location, first in 1889. United States. at Ellis Island. Its most recent project is the hosts special events on both islands. For The original entrance, porches and other fea- For more information, please call Statue of Liberty Museum that opened in more information, call (212) 363-3180 tures were removed at that time. (212) 260-1616 or visit nps.gov/thrb May 2019. For more information, contact: or visit thestatueofliberty.com. In June 2008, the house was moved to The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Founda- nearby St. Nicholas Park—part of the origi- tion, Inc., 17 Battery Place, Suite 210, New STATUE CRUISES nal Grange estate. The new location allowed York, NY 10004; call (212) 561-4500; or Statue Cruises is the official ferry, tick- for the reconstruction of features lost in the PHOTO visit libertyellisfoundation.org. eting and information company for the earlier move and provides a more appropriate OP! Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ferries open setting for the Grange. Send us your stories and photos SAVE ELLIS ISLAND, INC. depart daily from Battery Park in New The fully restored home reopened to and you could be a part of our guide! Save Ellis Island is the National Park Ser- York City and Liberty State Park in New the public in September 2011. For more in- Be a part of the Oh,Ranger! world! vice nonprofit partner for the rehabilitation Jersey,. For more information or to book formation, please call (646) 548-2310 or and beneficial re-use of 30 historic unre- tickets please call (877) 523-9849, or visit visit nps.gov/hagr. stored Ellis Island buildings. This public-pri- statuecruises.com.

42 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | | ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY 43 PHOTOGRAPHY

For millennia, we’ve looked towards the tion. Next, set your white balance to daylight heavens and contemplated what’s beyond settings (5500k) and turn on your mirror lock our orbit and universe. More recently, star- to avoid mirror shake. Wait until the moon is gazing has become increasingly difficult for out, too, as it’ll illuminate and add detail to millions of people living in developed areas. If your foreground. Make sure that it’s behind you live you in a populated area east of the you. To capture star trails: Mississippi or along the Pacific coast, odds • Set your ISO at 200 to reduce digital noise. are that you can count the number of stars • Compose your image, making sure you you see on your hands. National and state have interesting features in the foreground. parks—remote and minimally developed— • Choose your focal length. The longer the not only protect our land, but also our dark focal length, the quicker your star trails will skies which are ideal for astrophotography. start to form. There are two primary types of astropho- • Set your camera to manual mode so that tography shots that yield different, but stel- you can select your shutter speed and lar compositions. A long exposure setting aperture. will show stars trailing across the sky, while • Set your aperture between f/2.8 and f/4 for a shorter exposure will show pinpoints of best results. light—objects that a camera can capture that • Select “bulb mode” as your shutter speed. the unaided eye cannot. Both require a cam- • Use your cable release or remote to open era with interchangeable lenses and manual the shutter or set your timer for two to controls to set aperture, ISO, and exposure four minutes. AD settings. Here’s what you’ll need to start: Check your results. If your picture is too • A sturdy tripod: Simply put, a shaky tri- dark, increase the exposure time. If your trails pod will yield blurry photos. are to short, increase the exposure time. • A cable release or remote control or in- Keep playing around with your settings to get tervalometer: You’ll want to avoid touch- the results you desire. To learn how to take ing your camera to minimize shake. The photos of the milky way and millions of points addition of an intervalometer will allow you of light, visit ohranger.com/brightskies. to take sequential long exposures • Batteries: Your aperture may be open for several hours, so it’s important to have

multiple fresh and fully charged batteries. Shutterstock • A wide lens: Use the fastest, widest lens available. • A head lamp: It’ll be useful to set up your equipment and illuminate your foreground. Check the cloud cover; if there’s too much wait until you have a clearer night. Before you start, set your focus to infinity and turn Photographing the night sky is as close as many off your autofocus and high ISO noise reduc- of us will get to exploring space.

44 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | JUST FOR KIDS

AMERICA: THE by completing the activities in the free The United States is largely a nation of peo- booklets available at the information desks ple who left their home country looking for a on both Liberty and Ellis Islands. The ac- better life. For this reason, the United States tivity booklets will help you explore the is sometimes called the “melting pot.” The Statue of Liberty and the historic Ellis Is- population of the United States is made up of land Immigration Station, where you will a mixture of people from different countries, learn the importance of protecting and such as Ireland, China and Mexico. The next preserving these national monuments. time you are in class, look around. Although Turn in your booklet to a park ranger at the your classmate may have been born in the information desk to find out if you have United States, at some point, that person’s what it takes to be a Junior Park Ranger family probably left their home country and and ask how you can help preserve came to the United States. Ask your parents America’s heritage. about your family’s history. Even though we are all different, we are all Americans. YOUR OWN AUDIO TOUR Follow the kids’ version of the audio tour JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM at Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty. If you are between the ages of 7 and Put yourself in a young immigrant’s shoes 12, you can earn a Junior Ranger badge to experience the jouney to America. NPS

Rangers are on hand to answer kids’ questions.

46 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | EDITOR´S PICKS Shutterstock

When visiting New York City, take in history and the outdoors. Nearby are the largest immigration stations in the country, Castle Clinton (1) and Ellis Island, which includes the Immigration Museum(3). Learn about the nation’s first central government under the Articles of Confederation at the Federal Hall National Memorial(5). Stroll on Governors Island(2) or walk across the (5).

• Take a bike with you (or rent one and ride • Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge out to Picnic Point on Governors Island. for astounding views of the New York • Escape the hustle and bustle of the city City skyline, Brooklyn, Ellis Island and the at Gateway National Recreation Area, Statue of Liberty. where you’ll find beaches, forests, salt • Explore the diverse history of Castle marshes and wildlife! Clinton National Monument at the • Reserve tickets in advance to climb to southern tip of Manhattan. Originally a fort the crown of the Statue of Liberty. built to stop a British invasion in 1812, the • Tour Federal Hall National Memo- location has served as a promenade, beer rial, the site of President George garden, exhibition hall, opera house, the- Washington’s inauguration. ater and, in 1855, it became an immigrant • Explore fascinating collections of landing depot. political cartoons and Rough Riders • Visit The American Immigrant Wall of memorabilia and souvenirs at Teddy Honor® at Ellis Island, commemorating Roosevelt’s birthplace on East more than 775,000 individuals and families 20th Street. and their immigration to the U.S.

48 ELLIS ISLAND AND STATUE OF LIBERTY | www.nalgene.com For more inspiration, follow us here @nalgeneusa AD