Ellis Island opened in 1892 as a federal immigration station where over 12 million immigrants passed through over 60 years to enter and become citizens of the United States. Immigrants had to pass health inspections for diseases and lice before waiting for processing, which could take from hours to days on a ferry.

1. Ellis Island
Ellis Island opened up in 1892 as a
federal immigration station. The
station was open for more than 60
years. Over 12 million immigrants
passed through during that time
frame to become a US citizen.
Health officers
were required to
check for signs of
lice or diseases.
Immigrants
waited for several
hours to several
days on a ferry to
get to Ellis Island.