Ellis Island's Use by Other Government Agencies and the Military

A Coast Guard hat of the Women's Reserve (SPARs) c. 1946-1947

National Park Service, Statue of Liberty NM

Ellis Island was always viewed as federal government property and there was always the presence of other federal agencies using the buildings and hospitals. The federal agencies most represented on Ellis Island were the military, predominately the United States Coast Guard, and, during the two World Wars, the United States Army. Items belonging to the employees, the hat and uniform worn by a member of the Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARs), and photographs of the medical personnel serving the military in the island's hospitals are evidence of this use and a significant component of the museum collection.

 

World War I soldiers posed in front of the hospital complex c. 1918

National Park Service, Statue of Liberty NM

 

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