Between 1855-1890, there was an immigration depot called Castle Island where 8 million people were introduced to America. But by 1890, there was no more room on Castle Island for all of the new immigrants. Another larger depot was built on Ellis Island in the New York Harbor.
When the immigrants set foot in America, they are nervous because many could not speak English and most had heard frightening stories about Ellis Island. They had to wait for hours, even days, before taking a physical and verbal examination. The verbal examinations were also very difficult, with questions like: Where did you come from? Where are you headed? Can you read and write? Have you served time in prison? Do you have a job waiting for you?
"Why should I fear the fires of Hell? I have been through Ellis Island." -- written by an Ellis Island wall by an immigrant.
When the immigrants set foot in America, they are nervous because many could not speak English and most had heard frightening stories about Ellis Island. They had to wait for hours, even days, before taking a physical and verbal examination. The verbal examinations were also very difficult, with questions like: Where did you come from? Where are you headed? Can you read and write? Have you served time in prison? Do you have a job waiting for you?
"Why should I fear the fires of Hell? I have been through Ellis Island." -- written by an Ellis Island wall by an immigrant.