Two years ago I was visiting New York for a few months and tasted its life, magnificence and greatness. Among other famous New York landmarks are also the Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Being close to each other, but also because of their close symbolic connection, they often happen to be mentioned together.
The Statue of Liberty is a present from the people of France to the people of the United States in recognition of their friendship established during the American Revolution. The statue was built by the two famous French artists of that time – Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and the Eiffel Tower designer – Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. The statue was completed in France and then shipped and assembled in New York by 1886. The Statue of Liberty was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and today stands proudly as the reminder of the American ideals of freedom, liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness.
The small Ellis Island, located in the shadow of The Statue of Liberty, has played a significant role in shaping the United States. It served as the entrance portal and a dream of a better life in the United States for more than 12 million people in a range of about 60 years.During the nineteenth century the political instability and famine in Europe, have caused the largest mass migration in human history. That’s why Ellis Island was made the first federal immigration station in order to handle the growing number of people coming from Europe in their search for the American dream.
Because of such a large number of people that had to be processed the inspections had to be very quick but still very thorough. There were numerous diseases and conditions that banned people from entering the States, and people were sent back to their homes. These rather dramatic and sad moments that often separated families were described in different movies, but visiting the today’s Ellis Island complex you can easily live and explore how it was to be an immigrant during those times. Different medical instruments, photographs and other items are being displayed, as the examples of different tests immigrants had to pass in order to be accepted into the States.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on Travel-Best-Destinations.Com
The location is a true peak to the past times. Maybe even someone from your family passed all of that fuss so that you can live as you do today.
WHAT ARE THEY KNOWN FOR They are symbols of the American ideal of freedom, liberty and justice for all.
WHAT ARE THEY They are monuments serving as the gateway to America.
WHERE ARE THEY The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are located on the easten coast of the United States of America and are a part of the giant New Your City harbour.
WHAT TO DO There are computer terminals on Ellis Island for you to check names of people who entered the United States through this busy port. Try to see if you can find your long lost relative.
