What is Ellis Island?
Ellis Island is a small island in New York Harbor located just off the southern tip of Manhattan in the upper bay near the Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island was the center of immigration in the United States from 1892 - 1954 with over 12 million Ellis Island immigrants processed during that time.
Ellis Island History
Originally Ellis Island was a mere 3.3 acre island called "Kioshk" or Gull island by local Indian tribes. Due to its rich oyster beds, Ellis Island was later called "Oyster Island" by early colonists until Samuel Ellis purchased the island in 1785 and gave it its name still in use today.
Ellis Island was sold to the federal government in 1808 for ten thousand dollars which originally built Fort Gibson there until it was dismantled in 1861. Later a munitions depot was built in 1876. During this time Ellis island was enlarged to 14 acres to accommodate the depot and in 1892 Ellis island's first immigration station was built. Due to the demands of increased Ellis island immigration, the island was expanded over the years to its present size of 27.5 acres by landfill. However in 1954 the federal government transferred immigration duties back to Manhattan as the volume of immigrants had decreased from stricter immigration laws.
Today Ellis island remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the National Park Service.
Statue Cruises' Ellis Island Ferry
For a great Ellis island tour, Ellis island ferry service is available via Statue Cruises from two convenient locations in New Jersey and New York.
From New Jersey:
You may board the Ellis island ferry in Liberty State Park. There is ample parking for cars and buses as well as easy access from the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78.
From New York:
You may board the Ellis island ferry in Battery Park. There is easy access via public transportation, including major subway lines and bus routes.
To purchase your Ellis island tickets, visit our ticketing page:
