Visiting New York City isn’t complete without a journey to Ellis Island, the gateway through which more than 12 million immigrants entered the United States. Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island offers more than breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty — it’s a powerful walk through history. From the grand Immigration Museum to the abandoned hospital wings only accessible on the Hard Hat Tour, this landmark tells the stories of hope, struggle, and resilience that helped shape America.
History
Ellis Island, also known as the Island of Hope, is located right next to New York City and Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. The importance of Ellis Island for the entire country is hard to overstate. Just a century ago, nearly 80% of all U.S. immigration passed through New York. And all of it went through Ellis Island.
The city was growing at an unprecedented pace: in 1890 New York had 1.5 million residents, by 1900 the number had risen to 3.4 million, and by 1910 to 4.8 million.
“My great-grandmother arrived in the U.S. exactly 100 years ago to this day, traveling by steamship — and she passed through this very island,” shared a woman from the tour group.
Every American family has an immigration story. More than 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry back to relatives who came through Ellis Island.
But the island also had another name: the “Island of Tears.” For those who failed the mandatory medical inspection, Ellis Island became the end of their American dream. Roughly 10% of arriving immigrants were diagnosed with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, trachoma (an eye infection), or typhus, which could result in being denied entry to the U.S. To handle such cases, a large, state-of-the-art hospital was built on the island.
The Tour
The guided tour takes visitors through the abandoned hospital complex, which has been closed since the mid-20th century. You’ll see the laundry facilities, infectious disease wards, autopsy rooms, and staff housing, while hearing stories about daily life inside the hospital.
This tour is perfect for those fascinated by New York City’s history and offers a rare, immersive experience — a journey back to the 1950s.
As a bonus, the package also includes a ferry ride and a visit to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which still stands today as a symbol of hope, faith, and resilience for millions who crossed the ocean in search of a better life. Ellis Island reminds us of the crucial role immigration played in shaping America — and that the U.S. continues to be a land of opportunity for people from around the world.
Practical Information
📍 Location: Ellis Island (ferries available from either New York City or Jersey City)
Price: $55.00 for a 90-minute tour (ferry included)
Website: www.saveellisisland.org
Schedule: Two tours daily, on Monday, Thursday, and Friday
