Annie Moore (immigrant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Moore
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Contemporary illustration of Annie Moore
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Anna "Annie" Moore
April 24, 1874 Ireland
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| Died | December 6, 1924 (aged 50) |
Anna "Annie" Moore (born April 24, 1874 – died December 6, 1924) was a young Irish girl who became famous for being the very first immigrant to enter the United States through the new Ellis Island immigration station in New York Harbor. This happened on January 1, 1892.
Bronze statues of Annie Moore have been made by an Irish artist named Jeanne Rynhart. You can find these statues in two places: one in Cobh, Ireland, which was where Annie left from, and another at Ellis Island, where she arrived. These statues help us remember her important journey.
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Annie's Journey to America
Annie Moore came from County Cork, Ireland. She traveled on a large steamship called the Nevada in 1892. Her two younger brothers, Anthony and Philip, came with her. Anthony was 15 years old, and Philip was 12.
When Annie arrived at Ellis Island, she was the very first person to pass through the new immigration center. To mark this special moment, an American official gave her a special gift: a $10 gold coin. This was a big deal because it showed the start of a new era for immigrants coming to America.
Annie's Family Life
Annie's parents, Matthew and Julia, had already moved to the United States in 1888. They were living in Manhattan, a part of New York City.
Later, Annie married Joseph Augustus Schayer (1876-1960). Joseph was a salesman at the Fulton Fish Market in Manhattan. Annie and Joseph had several children together.
Annie Moore passed away on December 6, 1924, when she was 50 years old. She is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Queens. For a long time, her grave didn't have a marker. But in August 2006, her grave was found. Then, in October 2008, a special ceremony was held to unveil a new marker for her grave. It was a beautiful Celtic Cross made from Irish Blue Limestone.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
For many years, people thought that the Annie Moore who died near Fort Worth, Texas, in 1924 was the same Annie Moore who arrived at Ellis Island. However, after more research, it was discovered that the Annie Moore in Texas was actually born in Illinois, not Ireland. So, the Annie Moore from Ellis Island was a different person entirely!
Annie's Legacy
Annie Moore is remembered in many ways:
- Statues: As mentioned, two statues by Jeanne Rynhart honor Annie. One is in Cobh Heritage Centre (which used to be called Queenstown), where she left Ireland. The other is at Ellis Island, where she arrived. These statues stand for the millions of people who came through Ellis Island hoping for a better life in America.
- Song: Annie Moore's story also inspired a song called "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears." This song was written by Brendan Graham after he visited Ellis Island. Many famous singers and groups have performed it, including Ronan Tynan, The Irish Tenors, and Celtic Woman.
- Awards and Programs:
- The Annie Moore Award is given every year by the Irish American Cultural Institute.
- A special boat used by the National Park Service is named after her.
- A computer program developed by universities in Massachusetts, Sweden, and Britain is also named after Annie Moore. This program helps to match refugees with new homes when they arrive in a new country.
Gallery
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Statue of Annie Moore and her brothers on the quayside in Cobh, Ireland.
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Annie Moore's Passenger Arrival at Ellis Island in 1892.
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Grave marker for Annie Moore at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York, US.
See also
In Spanish: Anna Moore para niños
