The Wandering Disciple

Ellis Island stands as an enduring symbol of the American immigrant experience, serving as the official port of entry for the vast majority of European immigrants arriving in the United States between 1892 and 1954. This small island in Upper New York Bay represented both the promise of a new life and the final, often stressful, obstacle of the transatlantic voyage. The experience was transformative, requiring immigrants to undergo stringent medical and legal inspections to determine their eligibility to enter the nation.  Today, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, housed within the former immigration station, offers visitors a profound and unique journey back in time. By exploring preserved areas like the Registry Room and viewing the exhibits, guests can gain a tangible understanding of the hopes, fears, challenges, and triumphs experienced by millions of newcomers. This powerful encounter with the past connects individuals to their family's stories and illuminates a critical ch...

Like a beacon of liberty in New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has been a symbol of American freedom, welcoming immigrants to a new life in a new world.  The Statue of Liberty was the first sight immigrants saw as the reached America before coming ashore at the Ellis Island immigration center to find new freedoms in America.  (Photo: August 28, 2005)

Like a beacon of freedom, the Statue of Liberty stands tall in the New York Harbor.  Given to the United States as a gift from France, Lady Liberty has been a sign of freedom since 1886.  While most people recognize the Statue of Liberty as a monument, most people do not know that it also served as a lighthouse for a little over a decade.  (Photo: August 28, 2005)

Like a beacon of hope, the Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor as a sign of freedom and hope found in the United States.  Given to the United States as a gift from France, Lady Liberty has become known as a welcome sign to immigrants to the United States as they immigrated through Ellis Island.  (Photo: August 28, 2005)

A beacon of freedom standing tall in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty has been greeting visitors for over a hundred years. Dedicated in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States as a gift from France. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. (Photo: August 28, 2005)

A symbol of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty has stood tall in New York harbor for over 120 years. A gift to the United States from France, the statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Lady Liberty stands tall as a symbol of freedom and democracy, something that so many early immigrant sought in America. (Photo: August 28, 2005)

New York, New York: For decades there has not been a greater symbol of American Freedom then the Statue of Liberty. Standing tall at the mouth of New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has been a welcoming sight to those making the journey in search of a better life in America. The statue is a gift to the United States by the people of France. It was designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and inspired by Édouard René de Laboulaye. The project was announced in 1875 and was named Liberty Enlightening the World. The completed statue was presented to Ambassador Morton in Paris on July 4, 1884. The statue remained on display in Paris until January 1885 when it was disassemlbled for delivery to the United States. The delivery of the statue in the states was delayed due to the difficulty in obtaining funding for the pedestal. The United States was going through a depression and the government did not have the ability to obtain the funding. The pedestal was planned to be 114 feet tall but was reduced t...