ELLIS ISLAND Meaning and
Definition
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Ellis Island is a small island in the Upper New York Bay, situated about 2.5 miles southwest of Manhattan Island. It is renowned for being the main immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954. The island served as an entry point for millions of immigrants migrating to the United States during this period, earning it the title of the "Island of Hope" for those seeking a better life in America.
The dictionary definition of Ellis Island would describe it as a historic island that played a significant role in American immigration history. It would highlight the island's function as a processing center, where prospective immigrants underwent medical and legal inspections before being granted entry to the United States. Ellis Island was operated by the federal government, particularly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which was responsible for managing immigration policies and procedures.
Moreover, the definition would mention the architectural significance of the island, characterized by its main building, the Ellis Island Immigration Station, an imposing red-brick structure that housed the inspection and registration processes. The dictionary entry might also reference the famous Statue of Liberty, as Ellis Island was closely linked to it geographically and symbolically, positioned just a short ferry ride away.
Overall, the definition would emphasize that Ellis Island is an iconic symbol of America's immigrant history, reflecting the nation's rich cultural diversity and the dreams and aspirations of millions of individuals who embarked on the journey and passed through its historic gates.
Common Misspellings for ELLIS ISLAND
- wllis island
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- dllis island
- rllis island
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- eklis island
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- ellia island
Etymology of ELLIS ISLAND
The word "Ellis Island" is derived from two sources. The first part, "Ellis", comes from Samuel Ellis, a colonial-era New Yorker who owned the island during the late 18th century. The island was initially known as "Oyster Island" due to the abundant oyster beds surrounding it.
The second part, "Island", is simply a descriptive term indicating that it is a piece of land surrounded by water. The word "island" itself is of Old English origin, derived from the Old English word "igland" which combines "ig" (meaning "island") and "land" (meaning "land"). Therefore, "Ellis Island" can be understood as the island owned by Samuel Ellis. It gained significance due to its later role as the primary immigration station in the United States, welcoming millions of immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Similar spelling words for ELLIS ISLAND
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