Intro & 1st Stop
Over ___ million immigrants passed through the doors of Ellis Island.
12
What floor was the baggage room located?
The ground floor.
Why were doctors watching the immigrants as they walked up the stairs?
They were watching for signs of illness and disease.
What was the six second medical exam?
A quick physical exam to look for signs of sickness.
How many languages were spoken at Ellis Island?
More than 30
Ellis Island was open between the years ___ and ___.
1892-1954
What was the first thing passengers saw when they entered New York harbor?
The Statue of Liberty
What is the highest number of people to come through Ellis Island in one day?
11,747
Where would an immigrant go if they had a chalk mark on their clothes?
They would be taken out of line for further examination.
How many babies were born on Ellis Island?
335
Where were most immigrants from?
Eastern and Southern Europe
Which immigrants did not have to go to Ellis Island?
The wealthier 1st and 2nd class passengers. They could go straight through to New York.
What is a buttonhook?
What did an X chalk mark mean?
"Insanity"
Who paid for an immigrant's ticket if they were sent back home?
Steam ship companies.
How long did the voyage usually take?
1-2 weeks
How did passengers get to Ellis Island for their exams?
A smaller ferryboat would take them over.
What happened if an immigrant had trachoma at their inspection?
They were sent home.
How would immigrants communicate with the inspectors?
Interpreters.
Why was it called "the kissing post"?
It was the place where immigrants were reunited with their family members who were already in the U.S.
What is steerage?
The space at the bottom of the ship where the poorest passengers stayed.
Immigrants left their baggage in the baggage room while they did what?
They went up the stairs for inspections and exams.
Why did getting through Ellis Island take so long?
There were a thousand people or more in line ahead of you. The exams themselves didn't take very long.
What happened if an immigrant was found to have a disease?
They were sent home.
Bonus: Why? Do you remember the percent of immigrants sent home?
Many people worked at Ellis Island. What were some of their jobs?
Interpreters, inspectors, clerks, cooks, doctors, nurses, maids, and maintenance staff.