COLOR EDU TIMELINE

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

1600s-1700s

1890

1900

1892

1808

The federal government acquired Ellis Island,

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.

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

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

The first Ellis Island immigration station officially opened.

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

1902

1924

1954

1934

1910-20s

Hospital contruction began on the south side.

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

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

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

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

Ellis Island

Timeline Infographic

1990

2009

2019

2014

1998

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

Save Ellis Island begins resotration of the Recreation Pavillion.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Preservation Project Award