American Passage: The History of Ellis Island

American Passage explores the remarkable saga of America's landmark port of entry, from immigration post to deportation center to mythical icon.
"A finely honed account that encompasses both the human story of the immigrant experience, often a sad one, and the political and bureaucratic responses." —Boston Globe

For most of New York's early history, Ellis Island had been an obscure little island that barely held itself above high tide. Today the small island stands alongside Plymouth Rock in...