Ellis Island Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Ellis Island Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Ellis Island Day is observed on January 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Ellis Island Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you might want to know about Ellis Island Day.

📅 What day is Ellis Island Day 2024?

In 2024, Ellis Island Day is on Sunday, January 1st. It is the 1st Sunday in January; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about January 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Ellis Island Day is observed annually on January 1st to honor the historical significance of an island that played a crucial role as an entry point to the United States during the period of mass immigration from 1892 to 1954. It is astonishing to imagine that during the peak years of operation, approximately 1,900 individuals passed through the station on a daily basis. Over the course of 62 years, nearly 17 million immigrants arrived in the US through the Ellis Island immigration facility. Presently, the island does not host any commercial activities and can only be accessed by ferry. It is encompassed within the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which also includes the iconic Statue of Liberty, a national immigration museum, and the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital.

📜 Ellis Island Day History

In 1808, the United States government bought the entire island for $10,000 to protect New York Harbor from potential invasions by the British and French. It was transformed into a military fort called Crown Fort, later renamed Fort Gibson. The military added a 14-gun battery, a mortar battery, a magazine, and barracks to the island. After the War of 1812, Fort Gibson changed owners and fell into disrepair. By 1881, most of the island’s weapons had been removed and it was handed over to the Navy’s Bureau of Ordnance. The Department of the Treasury took over the island in 1890 and turned it into a federal immigration station. The immigration station began processing immigrants in 1892 and had processed around 1.5 million people by 1897, when a fire destroyed its wooden structures. After repairs and extensions, the station reopened in 1900 but closed for good in 1954 due to changes in immigration rules, the cost of maintenance, and plans to build a new facility in Manhattan. Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965 and was reconstructed under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s approval. The main building on the island opened as a museum in 1990, followed by the release of the American Family Immigration History in 2001 and the completion of a boat in 2007.

✅ Ellis Island Day Facts

🔖 Immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy
The probability of immigrants starting their own businesses is higher compared to individuals who were born in the United States, and immigrants or their descendants are responsible for owning 40% of the Fortune 500 companies.

🔖 Spanish is the most-spoken language by immigrants
According to a study conducted in 2018, nearly half of the immigrants in America, specifically 42%, were reported to have proficiency in the Spanish language.

🔖 80% are from Asia or Latin America
Unlike the situation in the 1900s, where the majority of immigrants were from Europe, the majority of immigrants coming to America today are from Asian or Latin American countries.

👍 Why Is Ellis Island Day Important

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island’s immigration station was the busiest in the United States, processing an average of 1,900 individuals each day. Each succeeding wave of immigrants that went through the station helped to shape the cultural environment and economic prosperity of the United States. Approximately 40% of American people may trace their ancestors back to Ellis Island.

Although it had a little influence in previous military wars, it was nevertheless significant. During the War of 1812, Crown Fort, and later Fort Gibson, were built on Ellis Island as a military structure to protect New York Harbor. It held the 11th Regiment and British POWs. During the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, the United States military used Ellis Island.

Most people immigrated during the years of the Ellis Island immigration center to escape political persecution, economic hardship, and famine. They left their homeland, but not for England or France, but for the United States. They thought that the United States would be a place where they could be on their own and make money.

🙂 How To Observe Ellis Island Day

⚡ Share the history of Ellis Island on social media
After being purchased by Samuel Ellis in the 1770s, Ellis Island has undergone multiple transformations. Gather a wealth of historical details, fascinating trivia, and captivating images, and share them on various social media platforms.

⚡ Take a trip to Ellis Island
To fully enjoy Ellis Island Day, the ideal plan for residents of New York or New Jersey would be to personally visit the island. The sole mode of transportation to reach the island is by taking a ferry. These ferries depart from Battery Park, making stops at both Liberty and Ellis Islands. It is recommended to search online for information on where to purchase a round-trip ticket.

⚡ Educate people on the positive impact of immigration on the U.S. economy
Immigration is a top concern in the United States right now, as many native-born Americans believe immigrants are taking away their job opportunities. However, economists argue that this belief, called the “lump of labor fallacy,” is not accurate. In fact, immigrants play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating jobs. By spreading this awareness, we can encourage a more open and accepting attitude towards legal immigration.

📅 When is Ellis Island Day?

See all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Ellis Island Day. So be sure to check back soon.