30 minute - Walking in the Immigrant Footsteps Tour

Trunks typical of those arriving at Ellis Island

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Opened in 1892 this Federal Immigration Station processed more than twelve million immigrants before closing in 1954. Although a National Park Service site since 1965, the Ellis Island Main Building didn't open until 1990. Start your 30-minute tour reading about the Baggage Room.

Baggage Display

Here Immigrant's were asked to leave their baggage. Like a modern day 'coat check,' luggage was checked here and returned after the immigrant passed the inspection test upstairs.
Here you see typical examples of luggage from the time period. Note the wheeled carts that facilitated it's movement.

Stairs to the Second Floor

To your right, an open staircase of thirty-six steps represents the first medical challenge and will take you to the second floor to see how you would fair in historic times.
Prefer an elevator? Ahead to your right, down the hallway is the passenger elevator that will take you to the second floor. Exit the elevator to the right and proceed to the area of the stairs to learn more about the historical medical process.