The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

We took the ferry out from Battery Park.  We were on it for about 18 minutes. We had arrived! Here are some cool facts about her: She wears a size 879 shoe. She is 305 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the torch. 300 different types of hammers were used to create the her. She is thought to have been hit by around 600 bolts of lightning every year since she was built. Andy Warhol painted her as part of his Pop Art series in the 1960s. It is estimated to be worth in excess of $35m.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

Another view of the statue

Another view of the statue

After touring Liberty Island, we headed over to the ferry dock for the next part of our visit-Ellis Island! Ellis Island was the No. 1 immigration station in the country from 1892 to 1954. It processed over 12 million immigrants! Ellis Island was originally 3.3 acres, but they expanded it to 27.5 acres. The landfill came from the NYC subway tunnels. In 1957, a fire destroyed the building. Plans were made for a new building that included a baggage room, a large dining hall and kitchen, dormitories with 600 beds, a hospital, and outdoor recreation areas, including a roof garden. The Great Hall was 189 feet long, 102 feet wide, and had a 60-foot vaulted ceiling. Arrivals were asked 29 questions, including: name, occupation, and how much money they had. 2% of immigrants were sent back from “The Island of Tears”. 1/3 of the immigrants who passed stayed in New York City. The rest scattered across the country. “The Island of Hope” processed 1,004,756 immigrants during it’s peak year in 1907. Some famous passengers include: Bob Hope, Bela Lugosi, Irving Berlin, and Cary Grant. It served as a detainment center and training facility during World War II. It’s been estimated that 40% of americans can trace their ancestry back through Ellis Island. Do you have any ancestors who came through Ellis Island?

I made it to the New World! (Ellis Island)

I made it to the New World!
(Ellis Island) 

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2 thoughts on “The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

  • 10/17/2015 at 3:22 am
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    Hi Ethan,
    I loved reading your post about Ellis Island. I did not realize that the landfill needed to expand the acreage of the island came from the New York Subway tunnels. I began to wonder how long it took to expand this island.

    My grandparents immigrated from Norway and came to America through Ellis Island! Your posting makes me want to explore about my family and heritage.

    Your enthusiasm inspires me,
    Mrs. Fordyce

    Reply
  • 10/17/2015 at 2:35 pm
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    Hi Ethan,
    You are like a tour guide! I like all the facts you put into it.
    The Empire State Building was closed when I wanted to go. There was flooding and they weren’t allowing anyone to go there. So I’ve never been there. I hope to go in the future.
    My mother’s father must have come through Ellis Island. He immigrated from Germany when he was a boy. He ended up in Ohio and Michigan.
    Did any of your relatives come through Ellis Island?
    Auntie Deena

    Reply

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