East Boston Immigration Station facts for kids

The East Boston Immigration Station was a special building in East Boston, Massachusetts. It was built between 1919 and 1920 and opened its doors in 1920. For many years, it helped new people coming to the United States.

It was a very important place until 1954. After that, it was no longer needed for immigrants. In 1959, the government sold the building. Today, it is owned by a company called Massport and is used as a shipyard, which is a place where ships are built or repaired. You can find it right next to where the Bethlehem Atlantic Works used to be.

What Was the East Boston Immigration Station?

An immigration station was like a welcome center for people arriving in a new country. The East Boston Immigration Station was built to help process immigrants coming to the United States through the port of Boston.

• It was a place where new arrivals would go through checks.
• Officials would ask questions to make sure everything was in order.
• This station helped many people start their new lives in America.

The station was a busy place for over 30 years, from 1920 to 1954. It played a big role in the history of immigration in Boston.

A Temporary Home During World War II

During World War II, which started in 1939, the station was used for a different purpose. It became a temporary holding place for certain groups of immigrants.

• Some people who had come from Japan, Germany, and Italy were held there.
• The government believed these individuals might pose a risk during the war.
• Many of these people had lived in the United States for a long time.
• Their stay at the East Boston station was not permanent. They were later moved to other facilities.

This was a challenging time for many families. The station served as a brief stop for them during a difficult period in history.

What Happened to the Station?

After 1954, the East Boston Immigration Station was no longer needed for immigrants.

• In 1959, the government decided to sell the building.
• It was bought by the highest bidder.
• Today, the building is still standing.
• It is owned by Massport, which manages Boston's port and airport.
• The old station is now leased out and used as a shipyard.

So, while it no longer welcomes new immigrants, the building continues to be an active part of the Boston waterfront.