Port of Entry


	Most European immigrants came through Ellis Island, their portal to America and, they hoped, a better life. Many Asian immigrants arrived in San Francisco. You want to learn more about the immigrant experience so you plan a visit to Ellis Island.

Imagine yourself an immigrant aboard a steamship entering New York Harbor. Your first glimpse of America is the city skyline looming ahead.

Welcoming you to the "front door of freedom" is a 152-foot statue of a woman, dedicated in 1888. She holds a torch in her right hand and a law book inscribed "July 4, 1776" in her left.

Next you see your first views of Ellis Island.


	Forever after, you’ll hold these images in your memory.



		Statues and sculpture. Statue of Liberty II. [ca.1920-ca.1950] Washington As It Was, 1923-1959



		Ellis Island ferry house, Ellis Island, New York. General approach view, from boat. [July 29, 1938] Architecture and Interior Design for 20th Century America



		New York, N.Y., Immigrants' landing, Ellis Island [between 1910 and 1920] Touring Turn-of-the-Century America, 1880-1921


	But a new life is about to begin. Go ahead to see what awaits you.

Start

Back

Ahead

The Library of Congress \| American Memory \| The Learning Page	Contact us
Last updated 09/26/2002