Ellis Island

• Ellis Island was where millions of immigrants to the U.S. were granted legal entrance.Isla de Ellis image by Luis Estallo from Fotolia.com
  
  Located in the upper bay near the New Jersey coast, Ellis Island, according to the Ellis Island Foundation, was the entry point for more than 12 million third-class or "steerage" passengers on steamboats from such countries as Ireland, Italy, and Germany, among others. Those passengers were ferried from their ships to Ellis Island, where they underwent health checks and legal inspections. If they passed the inspections, they were allowed to enter the U.S. If not, they had to return to their countries of origin.
  
  

History of Ellis Island

• Once known as Gull Island by local Indians, the island was later called Oyster Island during the Dutch and English colonial periods because of its abundant oyster beds. According to the Ellis Island Foundation, in the 1770s it was named Ellis Island after its owner, Samuel Ellis. The first immigration station opened on Ellis Island on Jan. 1, 1892; however, it burned down five years later. The new structure, built of brick and limestone, opened Dec. 17, 1900, and operated until it closed in 1954.
  
  

Statue of Liberty

• The Statue of Liberty has a lot of symbolism.statue of liberty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the National Parks Service website, the Statute of Liberty, located on 12-acre Liberty Island, is made of copper and steel. Often referred to as "Lady Liberty," the statue has seven spikes in her crown, symbolizing the seven continents and seven seas. A spiral staircase leads up to the crown, where 25 windows overlook the harbor. On her base is this quote: " ... Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ... ."
  
  

History of Statue of Liberty

• Designed by French artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was completed in 1884 and shipped in parts to the U.S. and reassembled the following year, according to the National Parks Service website. It was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886. At one time, visitors could climb up to the torch, but it was closed after an explosion in 1916. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in 2001, the Statue of Liberty was closed to the public until 2004. The crown was reopened to tourists in July 2009.
  
  

Touring the Monuments

• At Ellis Island, self-guided tours of the three floors of the Immigration Museum are available, according to the National Parks Service website. Search the database at the American Family Immigration History Center for the names of your ancestors. At the Statue of Liberty, learn more about its history and view the original torch from 1886, which is displayed in the lobby. Ferry service is available from New York and New Jersey, with both ferries looping from one monument to the other.