![\"EllisIsland\"](\"https:\/\/www.surfnetkids.com\/go\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/EllisIsland-550x435.jpg\")
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It\u2019s a wonder if Samuel Ellis, the original owner of Ellis Island, ever dreamed that this tiny island in harbor off the New York coast would ever be as historically prevalent as it is today.\u00a0 Mr. Ellis purchased the island and opened up a small tavern that catered to the sailors and fishermen that made a living in the harbor itself.\u00a0 When he passed away, ownership fell to his heirs, who eventually sold it to the state of New York.\u00a0 The island then became an important military site for national protection, as it housed military ammunitions.\u00a0 It is now home to an immigration museum that exhibits the rich history and cultural diversity of the United States of America.<\/p>\n
How Ellis Island Became an Immigration Station<\/strong><\/p>\n Before the federal government purchased Ellis Island from New York, each state handled immigration on its own.\u00a0 Processing and admission were handled internally, but when the immigration boom really began in the late 1800\u2019s, the federal government decided that it would be in everyone\u2019s best interest to have a centralized location for processing and admission to the country.\u00a0 Thus, Ellis Island became the legendary immigration hub for the entire eastern seaboard.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ellis Island\u2019s New Purpose Begins<\/strong><\/p>\n On January 1st<\/sup>, 1892, Annie Moore, a 15-year old Irish immigrant was the first person to pass through the newly established immigration station.\u00a0 She was greeted with a gold coin and plenty of fanfare.\u00a0 From that point, more than 12 million new Americans have passed through the island seeking a new life.\u00a0 Ellis Island now has a museum that documents all of those that have passed through its gates, including searchable records for those looking to learn more about their lineage and family.<\/p>\n