Ellis Island was the gateway to the United States for over 12 million immigrants. It was the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954.

For the majority of immigrants, Ellis Island truly was an “Island of Hope” – the first stop on their way to new opportunities and experiences in America. For the rest, it became the “Island of Tears” – a place where families were separated and individuals were denied entry into the United States.

Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor within the waters of New Jersey. Ellis Island is accessible by ferry from the states of New York and New Jersey. We visited from Jersey City, New Jersey because parking was free and it was easier to get to.

Although Ellis Island is separate from Liberty Island, it is part of the Statue Of Liberty National Monument.

Ellis Island
Jersey City, NJ 07305

GPS coordinates:
40.699019, -74.040061