From The Peopling of New York City
Contents |
Ellis Island
As we near Ellis Island, a picture from a distance.
"From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. Castle Garden in the Battery (originally known as Castle Clinton) served as the New York State immigration station from 1855 to 1890 and approximately eight million immigrants, mostly from Northern and Western Europe, passed through its doors. Ellis Island served as the gateway to the Land of Freedom and Opportunities that so many immigrants dreamed of."
Castle Clinton
History Castle Clinton served to defend New York Harbor during the War of 1812 from the British. It was constructed between 1808 to 1811 as a fort, but never served this purpose. It was renamed Castle Clinton in honor of the Mayor and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton in 1817. In 1823, Castle Clinton became the property of New York City.
In 1855, Castle Garden opened as an immigrant landing. Over 8 million people entered the U.S. through Castle Garden until it closed in 1890.
In 1946, the Castle was restored, and now serves as the ticket office for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry.
http://www.nps.gov/cacl/historyculture/index.html
African Burial Ground
The African Burial Ground project began in 1991, when, during excavation work for a new federal office building, workers discovered the skeletal remains of the first of more than 400 men, women and children. Further investigation revealed that during the 17th and 18th centuries, free and enslaved Africans were buried in a 6.6 acre burial ground in lower Manhattan outside the boundaries of the settlement of New Amsterdam, which would become New York. Over the decades, the unmarked cemetery was covered over by development and landfill.
www.africanburialground.gov/
Tenement Museum
Lower East Side Tenement Museum "The heart of the museum is the historic tenement, home to an estimated 7,000 people from over 20 nations between 1863 and 1935. Tour the tenement’s cramped living spaces. Learn about the lives of past residents and the history of the Lower East Side. Throughout the year, take part in programs such as walking tours, plays, art exhibits, and readings that represent the immigrant experience." [1] [2]
