More often than not, when the topic of immigration arises, we conjure pictures of people from foreign lands, bundled in woolen coats, standing on the side of a boat headed toward Ellis Island, their eyes filled with wonder and hope. Once the boats docked though, the immigrants faced challenges that are often overlooked.
The wave of European immigration from the late 1800's to the mid-twentieth century changed the face of America. Europeans settled in a young United States, established traditions, built communities, influenced the economy, and solidified their place in North American history.
When examining European immigration, most roads lead directly back to Ellis Island. During the years 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the port of Ellis Island, a small island in the New York Harbor. (Learn more about Ellis Island) An immigrant would get their first glimpse of the new world as they spied the Statue of Liberty, appearing on the horizon and welcoming them to their new life. Once the immigrants had entered the new country, many were faced with obstacles they were not expecting. Each culture, though, managed to carve out their piece of America and create a personal history and vision of the American dream.
Each immigration webpage is printableMore Printables