List of Ellis Island immigrants facts for kids

Ellis Island was a very important place for people coming to the United States from other countries. For over 60 years, from 1892 to 1954, it was the busiest place where immigrants were checked before they could enter the country. More than 20 million people passed through Ellis Island, hoping to start a new life in America.

The island itself, located in Upper New York Bay, was made much bigger over time by adding land between 1892 and 1934. Before it became an immigration station, the smaller original island was home to a fort called Fort Gibson. Later, it was used to store supplies for the navy. In 1965, Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Since 1990, it has been a museum where you can learn all about immigration.

A Special Welcome Center

Imagine arriving in a new country! For millions, Ellis Island was their first stop. It was a place where officials checked their health and documents. This was to make sure everyone was healthy and had the right papers to live in the United States. It was a big moment for families, full of both hope and a little bit of worry.

Famous People Who Arrived at Ellis Island

Many people who came through Ellis Island went on to become famous in the United States. Here are just a few examples:

• Isaac Asimov (from Russia): He became a very famous science fiction writer.
• Irving Berlin (from Russia): He was a brilliant composer and wrote many popular songs.
• Frank Capra (from Italy): He became a well-known film director, making classic movies.
• Max Factor (from Poland): He was a cosmetologist who started a famous makeup company.
• Bob Hope (from England): He was a beloved comedian and actor.
• Bela Lugosi (from Hungary): He was an actor famous for playing Dracula.
• Knute Rockne (from Norway): He became a legendary football coach.
• Johnny Weissmuller (from Austria-Hungary): He was an Olympic swimmer and later an actor, famous for playing Tarzan.

These are just a few of the many people who passed through Ellis Island and made a big impact on American life.

Ellis Island Today

Today, Ellis Island is a museum. It helps us remember the incredible journey that millions of immigrants took. When you visit, you can learn about the history of immigration and hear stories from the people who came through this historic gateway. It's a powerful reminder of how many different cultures have helped build the United States.

See also

• Lists of Americans
• List of naturalized American citizens