Topics in Chronicling America - Ellis Island

On December 17, 1900, the new Immigrant Station for receiving and processing the immigration of thousands of newcomers to the United States opened on Ellis Island. The New-York Tribune (New York, NY) described the new facility as "spacious and well-lighted," showing contrasting photos of the old Barge Office and the new building. Read more about it!

Jump to: Sample Articles

Important Dates:

• 1890, Congress appropriates $75,000 to build an immigration station at Ellis Island.
• January 1, 1892, The immigration station at Ellis Island officially opens.
• June 15, 1897, Fire destroys station and records of immigrants back to 1840.
• December 1900, The new and currently standing main building opens at a cost of $1.5 million.
• 1907, Ellis Island has peak number of immigrants arrive.

Suggested Search Terms:

• [Try the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases using Search Pages in Chronicling America.] Ellis Island; Immigration, immigrants, immigration station

Sample Articles from Chronicling America:

• Ellis Island as a Landing Station Salt Lake Herald, April 1, 1890, Page 1, Image 1, col. 7
• A Vote for Ellis Island, New York Tribune, April 6, 1890, Page 13, Image 13 col. 6
• No More Barge Office: Immigrants Will Hereafter Land at Ellis Island, St. Paul Daily Globe, Jan. 2, 1892, Page 2, Image 2, col. 3
• Federal Buildings in Ruins: Flames Sweep Over Ellis Island Doing Great Damage, The San Francisco Call, June 15, 1897, Page 1, Image 1 col. 3, 4
• For Sorting Newcomers: The Fine New Immigration Station at Ellis Island to be Finished Before January, New York Tribune, Jul. 15, 1900, Page 3, Image 29 col. 4
• Again at Ellis Island: New Immigration Station to be Opened Today, New York Tribune, Dec. 17, 1900, Page 3, Image 3 col. 1
• Immigration Report: 1907 A Banner Year, New York Tribune, Dec. 16, 1907, Page 3, Image 3 col. 1