COLOR EDU TIMELINE

The first Ellis Island immigration station officially opened.

1892

The federal government acquired Ellis Island,

1808

The current immigration buidling opened and became a major gateway for immigrants entering the United States, with millions of arrivals from Europe passing through its inspection process.

1900

The U.S. government designated Ellis Island as the site for the new federal immigration station.

1890

The island was initially called "Little Oyster Island" by the Lenape Native Americans.

1600s-1700s

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

Ellis Island's role shifted towards detention and deportation, and the hospital facilities were used less frequently for medical purposes.

1934

The hospital played a crucial role during the influenza pandemic of 1918, treating and isolating patients to prevent the spread of the disease.

1910-20s

Ellis Island officially closed as an immigration processing station, and the hospital facilities were largely abandoned.

1954

With the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924 and the subsequent decline in immigration, the need for the hospital's services diminished. .

1924

Hospital contruction began on the south side.

1902

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

JR exhibt "Unframed" ioebs at Ellis Island using archival photographs.

2014

The non-profit organization Save Ellis Island was formed to raise the funds needed to rehabilitate / repurpose 29 buildings on Ellis.

1998

Save Ellis Island begins resotration of the Recreation Pavillion.

2019

Save Ellis Island begins to host walking tours of the hospital complex.

2009

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum opened, showcasing the history and experiences of immigrants who passed through the island.

1990

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

Ellis Island overview

Staff on the Island

The hospital staff lived on the Island either in single rooms or dormintory style. They used the ferry to travel to New York or New Jersey. Here is an image of a pharmacist working in the lab.

It was designed to provide medical care for those who were deemed sick or in need of further examination.

Early Ellis Island

It was used for various purposes, including a munitions depot and a fortification during the War of 1812. His heirs sold it to New York state, and the state sold it to the federal government in 1808. It was used as a fort and known as Fort Gibson. This photo shows it today.

Recreation Pavillion

Patients enjoy the outdoors

Fresh air and sunshine were considered important to recovery. The open air Recreation Pavillion was finished in 1934 between islands Two and Three. Here is a picture during the construction. Save Ellis Island recently restored the building and you can visit it on their Hard Hat Tours.

Preservation Project Award

Award Winner

Save Ellis Island was awarded the “Preservation Projects Award" from Preservation New Jersey for their work on this project. This picture is from the original construction. In the background, you can see the framing of the Recreation Hall. The Hall has not be restored and is not open to the public.