People have always come to America for the same reasons. What brought the majority here:
- To Escape Persecution and Hardship.
- Political unrest and oppressive regimes in other countries pushed many to seek refuge in a more politically stable and democratic United States. Some immigrants fled religious persecution, seeking freedom to practice their religion without fear of violence or discrimination.
- Famine and Poverty
- Forced many to flee their homeland in search of food and sustenance.
- Lack of economic opportunities pushed many to seek better living conditions in the United States.
Ellis Island, which operated as the primary immigration station from 1892 to 1954, is a significant symbol in the story of American immigration. Millions of immigrants passed through its doors, each bringing their own cultural heritage, languages, and traditions. The narratives of these immigrants contribute to the understanding of America not as a melting pot but as a salad bowl.
Ship Manifest:
First- and second-class passengers on the ships that brought immigrants here were able to go through Customs and enter New York City under the assumption that if they were able to afford their passage, that they were likely to not become a burden on the government. Only third-class passengers who traveled in steerage were required to undergo physical examinations once they arrived. Some were detained for hours, days or longer if they were ill, or lacked money or information regarding sponsorship.
It is almost impossible to calculate how many Americans can trace their descendants' beginning here at Ellis Island. Some estimates are around 100 million Americans, or 40% but there have been no accurate studies to prove this. However, many Americans treasure their family stories of relatives braving the journey for the promise of a better life on our shores.
One such brave girl left Ireland when she was 16 years old. As the third oldest of nine siblings, her mother decided she would travel to America (her father was deceased) to make lots of money to then be able to send back home to assist her family. They were very poor and the children had to share the same pairs of shoes to attend school. She and her sisters weren't allowed to attend school past sixth grade, as they were needed to help with housework and on the farm. They saved up to buy Catherine's third-class passage and she arrived at Ellis Island in 1920. She detailed stories of being treated as if she were ignorant and dumb based on her accent, and having trouble understanding the officials' accents, similar to most immigrants' experiences. Catherine spoke of being held in a "cage" for an entire day and then overnight on a small cot until her cousin was able to come and sign off as her sponsor. The "cages" are shown below:
The Great Hall where all registrations and examinations were conducted:
Throughout history, immigrants have improved the U.S. economy and boosted job growth. Most immigrants hold lawful status and cannot vote in elections until they become citizens. When you visit Ellis Island, come learn about the history of immigration and America's history dating back to Native Americans and slavery all the way up to our current arrivals.
To log this virtual:
1. You must visit Ellis Island to qualify for this geocache. See web site below for information on ferry service and hours of operation.
2. Locate Catherine O'Connor (my grandmother) on the Wall of Honor and message me the number that is listed on the lower left of the wall section. This is accessed by going outside the back doors.
3. Take a photo of yourself or your GPSr at this section of wall and post to your log (but take care to not display the number).
Where to look for answer:
Permission for this cache was given by the Superintendent of the NPS
Not required, but highly recommended if you believe your ancestors came through Ellis Island, you are able to look them up and find the ship manifest that holds various information about the passengers, and who they were entrusted to.
Visit Ellis Island - web site
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.