People come to the United States from other countries. If they stay, they are called immigrants. Ellis Island was the entrance to the United States from 1892 to 1954. People had to pass through the Ellis Island before entering the country.

Ellis Island is near the Statue of Liberty. Samuel Ellis bought it in the 1700’s and built a tavern there. Later, it was used to store ammunition. After the Civil War, the federal government took over Ellis Island. The first Immigration Station was built in 1892. In 1897, it burned down.

A new station was opened in 1900. Two new islands were formed. The islands had hospitals on them. Over 12 million people came through Ellis Island on their way to live in the United States.

New arrivals were asked many questions. They were asked their names and what jobs they did. People had to be able to read in their own language. They needed to have some money. They could not be sick. Sick people were sent back or kept in the hospital.

Today, Ellis Island is a national museum. On October 29, 2012, the museum was damaged by a hurricane. The building was flooded. It lost electricty and heat. A huge boat slammed into one of the buildings.

It took many workers over a year to repair the Ellis Island Museum. Once again, people can look up their ancestors and learn about immigration.