Ellis & Angel Islands

Updated July 22, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

A look at the role these two islands have played in immigration over the years

1892

Ellis Island opens as an immigration station in New York harbor.

1907

In a single day, 11,747 immigrants pass through Ellis Island.

1910

Angel Island opens as an immigration station in San Francisco Bay.

1940

Angel Island ceases operation. Some 175,000 Chinese immigrants have passed through Angel Island.

1954

Ellis Island ceases operation. Some 12 million immigrants have passed through Ellis Island.

1990

The restored Main Building at Ellis Island opens as a museum.

2000

California voters approve a $15 million proposition to begin full restoration of Angel Island. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2010, the one-hundredth anniversary of the immigration station's opening.

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