National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

SITE HISTORY, EXISTING CONDITIONS, AND ANALYSIS

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

FOR ELLIS ISLAND
National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

OLMSTED CENTER FOR LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

99 Warren Street

Brookline, Massachusetts 02445

617-566-1689

www.nps.gov/oclp

ELLIS ISLAND

STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT

Liberty Island

New York, NY 10004-1467

212-363-7621

www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

FOR ELLIS ISLAND

STATUE OF LIBERTY

NATIONAL MONUMENT

SITE HISTORY

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ANALYSIS

By J. Tracy Stakely, Historical Landscape Architect

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Brookline, Massachusetts, May 2003

...the building stands

detached and encircled by

water....the country beckons

the immigrant into the harbor

with the torch brandished by

Liberty and then offers him

the largest and finest edifice

in the panorama for his

landing place.

New York Times

Magazine,

1898
ii

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation promotes the stewardship of significant landscapes

through research, planning, and sustainable preservation maintenance. The Center accomplishes its

mission in collaboration with a network of partners including national parks, universities, government

agencies, and private nonprofit organizations. Techniques and principles of preservation practice are

made available through training and publications. Based at the Frederick Law Olmsted National

Historic Site, the Center perpetuates the tradition of the Olmsted firms and Frederick Law Olmsted’s

lifelong commitment to people, parks, and public spaces.

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

99 Warren Street

Brookline, MA 02445

(617) 566-1689

www.nps.gov/oclp

Publication Credits: Information in this publication may be copied and used with the condition that

full credit be given to the author and publisher. Appropriate citations and bibliography credits should be

made for each use. Photographs and graphics may not be reproduced without the permission of the

owners or repositories noted in the captions.

Cover Photo: Ellis Island aerial looking north toward the skyline of New Jersey and upper

Manhattan, New York. Facing image is Ellis Island aerial looking east towards lower Manhattan.

(Photos: National Park Service, Statue of Liberty National Monument/ Kevin Daley)
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES ............................................................................................................................. v

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................................ ix

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ xi

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of the Report ...................................................................................................................................................1

Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................................2

Organization of the Report ..........................................................................................................................................3

Historical Overview.........................................................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER 1: PREIMMIGRATION PERIOD (PREHISTORY – 1890) ....................................................................... 13

Prehistory ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Early Native American Use ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Dutch Colonization of Oyster Island ...................................................................................................................... 14

Samuel Ellis Purchase .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Fort Gibson .................................................................................................................................................................. 16

The 1890 Landscape ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

CHAPTER 2: FIRST IMMIGRATION STATION (1890 – 1897)............................................................................. 27

Selection of Ellis Island for Federal Immigration Station .................................................................................... 27

Construction of First Immigration Station ............................................................................................................ 28

Destruction of Facilities by Fire ................................................................................................................................. 30

The 1897 Landscape ..................................................................................................................................................... 32

CHAPTER 3: SECOND IMMIGRATION STATION –

INITIAL CONSTRUCTION (1897 – CIRCA 1907) ................................................................................................ 37

Planning ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37

Island One ..................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Main Immigration Building .............................................................................................................................. 38

Additional Structures .......................................................................................................................................... 40

Island Two .................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Creation of Island Two ...................................................................................................................................... 42

Island Two Structures ......................................................................................................................................... 43

Landscape Improvements Under Commissioner Williams.................................................................................. 44

Island Three .................................................................................................................................................................. 48

The Circa 1907 Landscape ............................................................................................................................................ 51

CHAPTER 4: SECOND IMMIGRATION STATION –

FACILITY GROWTH (CIRCA 1907 – CIRCA 1920) .......................................................................................... 57

Island One ..................................................................................................................................................................... 57

Baggage and Dormitory Building ..................................................................................................................... 57

Greenhouse .......................................................................................................................................................... 57

Additions and Renovations............................................................................................................................... 58

Island Two .................................................................................................................................................................... 62

Island Three .................................................................................................................................................................. 64

Granite-faced Seawall .................................................................................................................................................... 66

The Circa 1920 Landscape ............................................................................................................................................ 67
iv

CHAPTER 5: SECOND IMMIGRATION STATION –

DETENTION FACILITIES (CIRCA 1920 – 1954)............................................................................................... 75

Landscape Changes During the 1920s ...................................................................................................................... 75

Landscape Improvements Under Commissioner Corsi ........................................................................................ 78

Ellis Island Committee Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 79

Implementation of the 1939 Planting Plan ............................................................................................................. 88

Landscape Changes During the 1950s ...................................................................................................................... 92

The 1954 Landscape ..................................................................................................................................................... 93

CHAPTER 6: POSTIMMIGRATION PERIOD (1954 – PRESENT) ........................................................................ 103

Early National Park Service Planning ...................................................................................................................... 103

Opening the Island to the Public ............................................................................................................................ 107

The 2002 Landscape: Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................... 112

CHAPTER 7: ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANCE AND INTEGRITY ........................................................................... 127

Statement of Significance .......................................................................................................................................... 127

National Register Status .................................................................................................................................... 127

Area of Significance ............................................................................................................................................ 127

Landscape Characteristics........................................................................................................................................... 129

Spatial Organization .......................................................................................................................................... 129

Land Use .............................................................................................................................................................. 130

Topography ........................................................................................................................................................ 130

Circulation ........................................................................................................................................................... 130

Buildings and Structures................................................................................................................................... 131

Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................................... 131

Views.................................................................................................................................................................... 132

Small-scale Features ............................................................................................................................................ 133

Integrity of the Historic Landscape ......................................................................................................................... 139

Location ............................................................................................................................................................... 139

Design .................................................................................................................................................................. 139

Setting .................................................................................................................................................................. 139

Materials .............................................................................................................................................................. 139

Workmanship..................................................................................................................................................... 140

Feeling .................................................................................................................................................................. 140

Association.......................................................................................................................................................... 140

Integrity of the Property as a Whole .............................................................................................................. 140

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................................................... 143

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 – 1920 .......................................................................................... 145

Appendix B: Planting Details for Island Two, 1939 ............................................................................................ 150

Appendix C: Existing Conditions Survey, 1983 – 1984 ..................................................................................... 153
v

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Introduction

Figure 0.1 Location of Ellis Island............................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1 1776 map of New York Harbor.................................................................................................................. 15

Figure 1.2 Circa 1800 map of New York Harbor......................................................................................................... 17

Figure 1.3 1813 map of Ellis Island............................................................................................................................. 19

Figure 1.4 Ellis Island, Development From 1776 to 1870.......................................................................................... 23

Figure 1.5 Ellis Island, 1890 Period Plan...................................................................................................................... 25

Chapter 2

Figure 2.1 Elevations of the first immigration building, 1978................................................................................... 31

Figure 2.2 The first immigration station on Ellis Island, 1892.................................................................................. 31

Figure 2.3 Ellis Island, 1897 Period Plan...................................................................................................................... 35

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 Boring and Tilton’s design for the landscape, October 1898..................................................................... 38

Figure 3.2 Construction of the main immigration building, June 30, 1899.............................................................. 39

Figure 3.3 The main immigration building, circa 1905................................................................................................ 40

Figure 3.4 Coal hoisting apparatus near the powerhouse, 1901.................................................................................. 41

Figure 3.5 Immigrants’ friends waiting room, June 30, 1901..................................................................................... 41

Figure 3.6 Layout for the Island Two cribwork and landfill, August 26, 1897.......................................................... 42

Figure 3.7 The main hospital building, Island Two, circa 1903.................................................................................. 43

Figure 3.8 The surgeon’s house, Island Two, June 30, 1901...................................................................................... 43

Figure 3.9 Porch on men’s psychopathic ward, Island Two, no date.......................................................................... 44

Figure 3.10 Boring and Tilton’s revised landscape design, circa 1902.......................................................................... 45

Figure 3.11 Island One grounds prior to landscaping, circa 1900................................................................................ 46

Figure 3.12 Hedges and lawn, Island One, circa 1903.................................................................................................. 47

Figure 3.13 Southeast end of Island One, 1903.......................................................................................................... 47

Figure 3.14 Hedges and lawn, Island One, circa 1905.................................................................................................. 47

Figure 3.15 The roof garden playground, main immigration building, circa 1906.................................................... 49

Figure 3.16 Layout plan for Island Three, July 2, 1903................................................................................................ 50

Figure 3.17 Cribwork construction details, Island Three, July 2, 1903........................................................................ 50

Figure 3.18 Gangway construction details, Islands Two and Three, August 1903.................................................... 51

Figure 3.19 Flower boxes and immigrant on rooftop deck, main immigration building, circa 1906....................... 52

Figure 3.20 Star-shaped flower bed, circa 1906............................................................................................................. 53

Figure 3.21 Ellis Island, Circa 1907 Period Plan........................................................................................................... 55

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Baggage and dormitory building, elevation, circa 1907............................................................................. 58

Figure 4.2 Greenhouse, Island One, circa 1913........................................................................................................... 59

Figure 4.3 Trellises at greenhouse, 1915....................................................................................................................... 59

Figure 4.4 Star-shaped flower bed, Island One, 1913.................................................................................................. 59

Figure 4.5 Kitchen and laundry building, front facade, circa 1913............................................................................... 60

Figure 4.6 Flower bed, Island One, 1913..................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 4.7 Ornamental pond and fountain, Island One, circa 1913........................................................................... 60

Figure 4.8 Glazed porch, main immigration building, circa 1913............................................................................... 61

Figure 4.9 Lawns and hedges, Island One, circa 1913.................................................................................................. 61
vi

Figure 4.10 Playground, Island One, 1926.................................................................................................................... 62

Figure 4.11 View of Island Two from Island One, circa 1913..................................................................................... 63

Figure 4.12 American Red Cross recreation building, Island Two, circa 1915............................................................. 63

Figure 4.13 Cinder path on Island Two, construction on Island Three in background, December 16, 1907........... 63

Figure 4.14 Pergola, Island Two, circa 1913.................................................................................................................. 64

Figure 4.15 Plan of Island Three with building names............................................................................................... 64

Figure 4.16 Newly constructed mortuary showing fill needed, Island Three, October 14, 1907.............................. 65

Figure 4.17 Construction of seawall Contract #1, circa 1913....................................................................................... 66

Figure 4.18 Ellis Island, circa 1920 aerial photo............................................................................................................ 67

Figure 4.19 Boardwalk along the ferry basin, Island One, circa 1913.......................................................................... 68

Figure 4.20 Concrete walk along the ferry basin, Island One, circa 1915.................................................................... 68

Figure 4.21 Immigrants at the ferry landing, circa 1913............................................................................................... 69

Figure 4.22 Island One, southeastern lawn, October 29, 1913................................................................................... 69

Figure 4.23 Benches and lamp posts, Island One, circa 1913...................................................................................... 70

Figure 4.24 Lawn, hedges, and fences, Island One, circa 1913..................................................................................... 70

Figure 4.25 Iron mooring cleats along the seawall, circa 1915..................................................................................... 70

Figure 4.26 Ellis Island, Circa 1920 Period Plan........................................................................................................... 73

Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 Landfill between Islands Two and Three, early 1920s aerial photo............................................................ 76

Figure 5.2 Immigrants northeast of baggage and dormitory building, circa 1920s.................................................. 77

Figure 5.3 Construction plans for 75,000-gallon water tank, Island One, September 3, 1920.................................. 77

Figure 5.4 Construction plans for 250,000-gallon water tanks, Island One, circa 1930............................................. 77

Figure 5.5 Fencing plans, Island One, 1931.................................................................................................................. 78

Figure 5.6 Ellis Island, January 9, 1934 aerial view showing large circular flower bed............................................... 79

Figure 5.7 Plan accompanying 1934 Ellis Island Committee final report................................................................... 80

Figure 5.8 New ferry building, circa 1939...................................................................................................................... 80

Figure 5.9 Covered walkway construction, between Islands Two and Three, July 26, 1935...................................... 80

Figure 5.10 Seawall construction, northwest side of the island, September 24, 1934................................................ 82

Figure 5.11 Dredging for landfill north of the new immigration building, October 24, 1934.................................. 82

Figure 5.12 New immigration building, elevation, October 11, 1933......................................................................... 82

Figure 5.13 Ellis Island, February 1936 aerial photo..................................................................................................... 82

Figure 5.14 The last area of landfill on Ellis Island, April 2, 1934.............................................................................. 84

Figure 5.15 Recreation building and shelter between Islands Two and Three, February 26, 1937............................ 86

Figure 5.16 Recreation shelter, greenhouse, Island One, October 25, 1936................................................................ 86

Figure 5.17 Island One contour map, June 1936......................................................................................................... 86

Figure 5.18 Lawn, hedges, and row of poplar trees, Island One, May 25, 1935........................................................ 87

Figure 5.19 Sidewalk construction, between Islands Two and Three, June 25, 1936................................................ 87

Figure 5.20 The 1939 Planting Plan.............................................................................................................................. 89

Figure 5.21 Detained aliens, October 1940.................................................................................................................... 91

Figure 5.22 Recreation yard south of main immigration building, circa 1947........................................................... 91

Figure 5.23 Detainees in recreation yard east of the railroad ticket office, October 1949........................................... 91

Figure 5.24 Maturing trees along the ferry basin, Island One, circa 1950s.................................................................. 92

Figure 5.25 Ellis Island, 1954 aerial photo................................................................................................................... 93

Figure 5.26 Detainee recreation area fencing, circa 1958................................................................................................ 94

Figure 5.27 Detail of guardhouse, circa 1958................................................................................................................ 95

Figure 5.28 Overgrown open lawn, circa 1958.............................................................................................................. 95

Figure 5.29 Detail of crook-neck light, circa 1958......................................................................................................... 96

Figure 5.30 Detail of Beaux Arts light, circa 1958........................................................................................................ 96

Figure 5.31 Construction details, new fog bell tower on Island Two, September 5, 1940......................................... 96

Figure 5.32 Island Two viewed from Island One, circa 1950...................................................................................... 96

Figure 5.33 Concrete splash details, July 1939............................................................................................................. 97

Figure 5.34 Detail of cast-iron/wooden bench and wooden fencing, circa 1958....................................................... 97

Figure 5.35 Detail of wooden picnic table and chain link fencing, circa 1958............................................................ 97
vii

Figure 5.36 Fence around tennis courts from 1940s, west of new immigration building, 1978.............................. 97

Figure 5.37 Ellis Island, 1954 Period Plan................................................................................................................... 101

Table 5.1 Ellis Island Committee Recommendations................................................................................................. 81

Table 5.2 1935 Landscape Proposals for Master Planning............................................................................................ 85

Chapter 6

Figure 6.1 Rehabilitation of Ellis Island, Philip Johnson plan, 1966........................................................................ 104

Figure 6.2 “Wall of the Sixteen Million,” elevation, 1966........................................................................................... 105

Figure 6.3 National Park Service 1968 Master Plan for Ellis Island............................................................................ 106

Figure 6.4 Island Two and ferry basin from roof of main immigration building, late 1960s................................. 107

Figure 6.5 Ferry basin seawall damage, October 1973.................................................................................................. 107

Figure 6.6 Overgrown vegetation on Island One, October 1973................................................................................ 107

Figure 6.7 Plan of proposed seawall repairs, 1977....................................................................................................... 108

Figure 6.8 Ellis Island, April 1978 aerial photo............................................................................................................ 109

Figure 6.9 View of temporary bridge to Liberty State Park, 1999............................................................................... 110

Figure 6.10 Incinerator on Island One, prior to demolition, March 1985.................................................................. 110

Figure 6.11 Greenhouse on Island One, prior to demolition, March 1985................................................................ 110

Figure 6.12 Water towers on Island One, prior to demolition, May 1985.................................................................. 110

Figure 6.13 Ellis Island Immigration Museum in the renovated main immigration building, 1990...................... 110

Figure 6.14 Wall of Honor and Fort Gibson excavation, 1999................................................................................... 111

Figure 6.15 Linear section of Wall of Honor, August 2002........................................................................................ 111

Figure 6.16 Overgrown courtyard on Island Three, 1999............................................................................................ 112

Figure 6.17 Courtyard on Island Three cleared of vegetation, August 2002.............................................................. 112

Figure 6.18 Sinkhole at seawall on south end of Island Two, August 2002.............................................................. 113

Figure 6.19 Entry portico on main immigration museum, 1999................................................................................ 113

Figure 6.20 Staff boat docking location, 1999.............................................................................................................. 114

Figure 6.21 Remains of historic ferry slip, U. S. Park Police dock, August 2002......................................................... 114

Figure 6.22 Remains of small greenhouse on Island Three, August 2002................................................................ 115

Figure 6.23 Reconstructed water tower on Island One, 1999...................................................................................... 115

Figure 6.24 NPS guardhouse on Island One, August 2002........................................................................................ 115

Figure 6.25 Service area for fuel tanks and HVAC system on Island One, August 2002.......................................... 116

Figure 6.26 View of seawall on Island One, 1999....................................................................................................... 116

Figure 6.27 Tree allee and lawn on Island One, 1999.................................................................................................. 116

Figure 6.28 Crabapple tree on Island One, 1999......................................................................................................... 116

Figure 6.29 Contemporary flower bed on Island One, August 2002........................................................................ 116

Figure 6.30 Arborvitae screen around fuel tanks on Island One, August 2002........................................................ 116

Figure 6.31 View toward Manhattan from Island One, August 2002........................................................................ 117

Figure 6.32 View toward Liberty Island from Island One, 1999................................................................................ 117

Figure 6.33 View toward Jersey City and Liberty State Park from Island One, August 2002.................................... 117

Figure 6.34 Fence styles, August 2002........................................................................................................................... 119

Figure 6.35 Flagstaff bases, August 2002..................................................................................................................... 120

Figure 6.36 Lighting styles, 1999 and August 2002..................................................................................................... 120

Figure 6.37 Sign styles, August 2002............................................................................................................................ 121

Figure 6.38 Utility and drainage features, 1999 and August 2002............................................................................... 122

Figure 6.39 Miscellaneous small-scale features, 1999 and August 2002...................................................................... 123

Figure 6.40 Ellis Island, 2002 Existing Conditions..................................................................................................... 125

Chapter 7

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island............................................................................... 134
viii
ix

FOREWORD

Upon first glance, visitors to Ellis Island are

drawn to the enormous French Renaissance-style

Main Immigration Building that dominates the

island’s landscape. Here the story unfolds of the

millions of immigrants who passed through this

portal between 1892 and 1954, each longing to

become a citizen of the United States. Yet,

beyond this grand edifice, spread across the

island’s twenty-seven-acre campus, are many

more stories to be told. Spanning the island from

north to south is a sprawling collection of

hospital and administrative buildings

interconnected by a series of linear corridors.

Surrounded by stately shade trees and interlaced

with courtyards once filled with ornamental

vegetation, for many immigrants this campus was

their first or only home on American soil.

Early 1930s Commissioner of Immigration

Edward Corsi spoke of the significance of the

island setting:

As it is the port of entry to the largest

city in the largest country in the

Western World, it seemed in keeping

that the physical appearance of that

port should bear witness to the

importance of the city and country

whose door it opened. That Ellis

Island should be to the immigrant, as

well as to the American, an

inspiration—a tribute to our physical

development as exemplified in

adequate buildings, well-planned

grounds, satisfactory sanitary and

housing conditions—was in my mind

the first, but by no means the only or

the most important consideration.

With a longstanding recognition of the

importance of the island and its setting, this

Cultural Landscape Report describes in detail the

evolution of the Ellis Island landscape and

documents those individuals playing a major in

role in shaping its design and physical appearance.

The report identifies the numerous features

remaining from the immigration period, reflecting

the island’s high level of historical integrity with

respect to its location, design, setting, and

association as the country’s premier immigration

station. A full understanding of the significance

of the cultural landscape will ensure better

protection of the island’s nationally significant

resources and a more complete and meaningful

experience for visitors.

I am pleased to recognize the Olmsted Center for

Landscape Preservation of the National Park

Service’s Northeast Region for overseeing the

management and writing of this document. I

would like to commend Tracy Stakely for his

thorough research, tremendous effort, and clear

writing, which has resulted in a document of

incredible value for the island and its historic

landscape resources. I am also grateful for the

contributions of many staff members at Ellis

Island, including Diana Pardue, Jeffrey Dosik,

Barry Moreno, Janet Levine, Kevin Daley and Al

Farrugio. Our responsible stewardship of the

island relies on the knowledge of what we need

to preserve for future generations, so that they, in

turn, will be inspired by the many stories of Ellis

Island.

Cynthia Garrett

Superintendent

Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty National Monument
x
xi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many thanks to the numerous individuals and

organizations whose contributions added to the

successful completion of this cultural landscape

report for Ellis Island.

At the Statue of Liberty National Monument

(STLI), Diana Pardue, Chief of Museum

Services, was the primary park contact, providing

assistance with on-site research and coordination

of park input through project scoping and draft

reviews. Librarians Jeffery S. Dosik and Barry

Moreno provided access to research files and

historic photographs in the STLI collection,

reviewed drafts, and coordinated the

reproduction of several historic images. Janet

Levine offered guidance and insight for use of the

Ellis Island oral history collection. Horticulturist

Al Farrugio supplied historic images, reviewed

drafts, and provided information concerning

ongoing maintenance and preservation of the

island’s vegetation.

David Uschold, Program Manager at the

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

(OCLP), oversaw the project and reviewed all

drafts. Additional OCLP staff provided research

assistance and insightful suggestions for

improvement of the document. Mark Davison

assisted in developing a research methodology for

examining immigration and public health records

at the National Archives. Patrick Eleey gathered

existing condition images previously used in the

park’s cultural landscapes inventory. Lauren Meier

and Debbie Smith reviewed the initial draft of the

site history, and Jeff Killion and Lisa Oudemool

reviewed the analysis section. NPS Architectural

Conservator Naomi Kroll provided missing

details on construction of the seawall. Thanks to

all of these individuals for their contributions.

Historical research was completed with the

cooperation and assistance of numerous agencies

and individuals outside the park service. Thanks

to Raynelda Calderon and Andrea Felder at The

New York Public Library, and Marguerite Lavin

and Eileen Morales at the Museum of the City of

New York, for assistance with locating and

reproducing historic images. Thanks also to

Marion Smith, at the Immigration and

Naturalization Service archives in Washington,

DC, John Celardo at the National Archives in

New York City, and staff at the National Archives

in College Park, MD, for providing information

that helped direct research into the island’s

historical development.

Finally, additional credit goes to NPS historian

Harlan D. Unrau, whose early research on the

island was invaluable in pulling together the

landscape history section of this document.
xii
1

INTRODUCTION

Ellis Island, a part of the Statue of Liberty

National Monument, is nationally significant for

its role in U. S. immigration, serving as the entry

point for twelve million immigrants between 1892

and 1954. Situated in New York Harbor’s Upper

Bay on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River,

the island lies approximately one and one-half

miles southwest of Manhattan Island and threequarters of a mile north of Liberty Island.

Originally only three and one-half acres in size,

today Ellis Island covers nearly twenty-seven and

one-half acres as a result of numerous landfill

operations between 1830 and 1935. This pattern

of development created a landscape divided into

three distinct parcels that are identified by the

names Island One, Island Two, and Island Three

(Figure 0.1).

Island One is the northernmost area and was the

location of the original island. Island One

contains the primary immigration facilities,

including the renovated main immigration

building, and houses all the park’s operations:

Administration, Concessions, Interpretation,

Maintenance, Management, Museum Services, and

Park Police. Islands Two and Three are

constructed entirely of landfill and contain

hospital facilities formerly occupied by the U. S.

Public Health Service and the U. S. Coast Guard.

Some areas of Island One and all of Islands Two

and Three have been virtually unused and

unmaintained since the immigration station closed

in 1954. Many structures are abandoned and

remain in extremely poor condition. A multiyear

preservation effort is currently under way for their

stabilization.

Purpose of the Report

A Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) is the

primary document used in the treatment and longterm management of cultural landscapes. It

provides site managers with a comprehensive site

history, identifies important landscape

characteristics for the property, compares and

analyzes the historic and existing conditions,

discusses the site’s significance and historic

integrity, and provides treatment

recommendations to guide future site

development. This report represents the

completion of phases one and two of a threephase project intended to develop a complete

CLR for Ellis Island. This document includes a

comprehensive site history from prehistory to the

present, with emphasis on the site’s 1892 to 1954

period of significance, when the island was

actively used as an immigration station. It also

includes a complete record of the island’s existing

landscape condition and provides an analysis of

the island’s significance and integrity. A treatment

plan for the island’s landscape will be developed

during phase three of the project.

When the Ellis Island immigration station closed

in 1954, the island was abandoned. Its

management was turned over to the federal

government’s General Services Administration;

however, the facilities remained unused for the

next decade. In 1965 the island became part of

the National Park Service (NPS) but the agency

was not able to begin any substantial preservation

efforts until the 1980s. From 1984 to 1990 the

main immigration building on Island One

underwent an extensive rehabilitation. The

updated facility was opened to the public as the

state-of-the-art Ellis Island Immigration Museum

and has subsequently seen visitation rise to more

than five million visitors per year. Islands Two

and Three were not included in the 1980’s

rehabilitation. For the most part, the features on

these islands, including hospital wards,

maintenance facilities, residences, connected

walkways, and outdoor spaces, have been derelict

and abandoned since 1954 and remain off-limits

to visitors. The landscape of Ellis Island dates

primarily to a 1939 planting plan implemented in

the 1940s. Remnants from this era include a

deteriorated circulation system, overgrown

vegetation, and many unstable and deteriorating

buildings and site features.

A voluminous amount of research and written

documentation regarding the immigration station
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

2

has been completed since its closure. Most of

these efforts have been directed toward the social

implications of the station’s operation. In the

recent past the NPS has completed a substantial

amount of research on the physical resources of

the island as well. The most comprehensive is a

fourteen-volume Historic Structures Report

completed between 1981 and 1988, documenting

more than forty of the island’s structures. A

Cultural Landscapes Inventory (CLI) was

completed by the Olmsted Center for Landscape

Preservation in 2001, providing a preliminary

finding of significance and integrity for the

island’s landscape. The CLI concluded that many

of the features associated with the 1939

development plan remained, although in extremely

deteriorated condition.

Since the initial rehabilitation of the main

immigration building, other work on the island

has been completed under NPS management.

The kitchen and laundry building and powerhouse

on Island One have also been renovated. In 1998,

in preparation for building stabilization on Islands

Two and Three, overgrown and invasive

vegetation was removed and potentially historic

plant material was documented by park service

horticulturists, landscape architects, and

maintenance crews. Contractors completed

exterior building stabilization on Island Two in

early 2001, and are currently completing exterior

restoration and interior stabilization on the new

ferry building (constructed in 1936) and hospital

outbuilding (constructed in 1901), and building

stabilization on Island Three. Finally, the park has

recently initiated a Development Concept Plan

(DCP) for Ellis Island. The DCP will concentrate

on the adaptive reuse of Islands Two and Three.

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, LLP,

has been hired by the NPS to produce the DCP,

which should be completed in 2003.

Until the past few years, the cultural landscape of

Ellis Island was not adequately documented nor

recognized as an important aspect of the island’s

historical significance. The rehabilitation and

stabilization efforts, as well as the dramatic

increase in the numbers of visitors, have affected

the landscape of the island. Given that

completion of the DCP will lead to additional

development on all three islands, a comprehensive

evaluation of the landscape for Ellis Island is

needed. A completed CLR will inform the DCP

and subsequent planning efforts, ensuring that the

impacts of any future development on Ellis

Island’s cultural landscape will be adequately

evaluated and addressed to minimize loss of

historic character.

Methodology

This report was prepared using a variety of

primary and secondary sources to complete

“thorough” research as defined by NPS DO-28.

Several repositories were consulted, including:

• Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island Library and

Museum Collection

• NPS Boston Support Office

• NPS Cultural Resources Management Studies

Collection, Charlestown, MA

• NPS Technical Information Center files,

Denver, CO

• National Archives, New York , NY

• National Archives, Washington, DC

• New York Public Library

• Museum of the City of New York

Most of the documentation was primary source

material in the form of photographs, maps, and

construction documentation. The author

examined photographs at several locations,

including collections from the Immigration and

Naturalization Service (INS), U. S. Public Health

Service, U. S. Coast Guard, NPS, and an extensive

early twentieth-century series taken by former

Ellis Island Commissioner of Immigration

William Williams. Early maps located at the

National Archives provided documentation on the

island’s military use, while original building

specifications were also available for nearly all of

the island’s immigration structures and facilities.

The author reviewed additional plans and

drawings from the NPS Technical Information

Center, including digitally scanned copies of

selected drawings housed in the park’s library.

Several oral histories of former island employees,
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

3

residents, and immigrants provided additional

primary source material. This collection is also

housed in the park library.

Major secondary sources include several NPS

planning documents. Harlan D. Unrau’s 1981

Historic Structure Report, Ellis Island, Historical Data

was written primarily as an architectural history of

Island One, and Islands Two and Three to a lesser

extent, but it also covers key aspects of the

development of the entire island’s landscape.

John F. Pousson’s 1989 An Overview and Assessment

of Archeological Resources on Ellis Island, Statue of

Liberty National Monument, New York provided

historical information about the island’s

development and limited existing conditions

documentation. In 1988 architectural contractors

Beyer Blinder Belle/Anderson Notter Finegold

completed a Historic Structures Report for the

main immigration building on Island One. A

portion of this document specifically addressed

the island’s historic landscape and was perhaps the

earliest attempt to analyze the significance of Ellis

Island as a cultural landscape.1

Organization of the Report

The report is divided into seven chapters. The

first six chapters focus on the island’s history, each

representing a specific time period important to

the island’s development. Each chapter contains a

brief introduction summarizing the period, a

historical narrative, a description of the period

landscape with an accompanying period plan, and

plans and photographs from the period.

Chapter 1 covers prehistory to 1890. This period

focuses on the early inhabitants of the island,

including Native Americans, Dutch colonists, and

the island’s namesake, Samuel Ellis. The island’s

military use is discussed with an abbreviated

history of the development of Fort Gibson. A

narrative and period plan is provided describing

the 1890 landscape, just prior to the island’s

immigration period.

Chapter 2 documents the development of the first

immigration station on Ellis Island from 1890 to

1897. Selection of the island for immigration use

and the ensuing development phase are examined.

The 1897 landscape is described, just after the

facilities were completed but prior to an islandwide fire that destroyed the first station.

Chapter 3 focuses on the initial planning and

development of the second immigration station

between 1897 and circa 1907. This chapter covers

the construction of Island Two and the primary

buildings on Islands One and Two, including the

main immigration building. It also describes the

landscape improvements installed under

Commissioner Williams during 1902 and 1903,

and the creation of Island Three between 1902

and 1906.

Chapter 4 examines the growth of the facility

from the circa 1907 peak immigration period

through World War I years, ending circa 1920.

The development of facilities on Islands One and

Two, including construction of a greenhouse and

continued landscape improvements, as well as the

construction of a contagious-disease hospital on

Island Three, are described.

Chapter 5 documents the broad period from circa

1920 to the island’s abandonment in 1954.

Emphasis during this time was on the changing

role of the island from an immigration entry point

to a detention center. Landscape improvements

made under Ellis Island’s Commissioner of

Immigration Edward Corsi in the 1930s are

addressed.

Chapter 6 describes the postimmigration period

from 1954 to the present. Early NPS planning

and rehabilitation of the island facilities for public

use are documented. The chapter ends with a

discussion of the existing condition of the island’s

landscape in 2002.

Chapter 7 provides an analysis of the historical

significance of Ellis Island and an evaluation of

the integrity of the physical character of the

landscape, based on criteria developed by the

National Register of Historic Places program.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

4

Historical Overview

Ellis Island was originally composed of glacial till

approximately 15,000 years ago. The island

boasted a diverse animal and plant community

prior to European settlement. Many of the

island’s resources contributed to the subsistence

of precontact human populations, but the fish

and shellfish of the Hudson River estuary were of

special importance in this regard, as native peoples

relied on these resources for seasonal food

gathering.

In 1630 Dutch colonists purchased Ellis Island

from local Native Americans. Samuel Ellis, a New

York merchant, acquired the island in 1774 and

retained possession of it until his death in 1794.

Ellis made improvements to the island, including

the construction of several buildings for

residential and commercial use.

In 1794 the threat of war with France and Great

Britain persuaded the State of New York to

secure Ellis Island as part of its harbor defense,

and in 1808 the state purchased the island from

Samuel Ellis’s heirs through condemnation. The

state deeded the island to the federal government,

and the War Department installed a battery and

garrison. The fortifications were named Fort

Gibson and became part of the New York harbor

defenses, along with Fort Wood on Bedloe’s (now

Liberty) Island, and the West Battery at the tip of

Manhattan. An interstate agreement in 1834

declared Ellis Island and neighboring Bedloe’s

Island part of New York State, even though both

islands were on the New Jersey side of the main

ship channel. As the Civil War began in 1861,

most of Fort Gibson was dismantled and a naval

powder magazine established on the island.

In 1890 the federal government assumed full

responsibility for the reception of immigrants at

the Port of New York and commissioned a study

of New York Harbor to determine the best

location for a federal immigration depot. Officials

considered Castle Garden at the southern tip of

Manhattan, the site of the state-administered

immigration station since 1855, inadequate for a

new federal facility. After examining potential

locales, they chose Ellis Island as the most

appropriate site. On April 11, 1890, Congress

appropriated $75,000 for the removal of the naval

magazine, the addition of landfill, and the

construction of a new immigration station. On

January 1, 1892, the Bureau of Immigration

formally opened the new immigration station for

the processing of steerage passengers; first- and

second-class cabin passengers were processed by

bureau staff onboard ship. Some 445,987

immigrants passed through Ellis Island in 1892.

The Department of the Treasury completed

construction on the immigration station in early

1897.2

On June 15, 1897, a devastating fire destroyed

nearly all the buildings on the island. Congress

soon authorized funds for the construction of

new fireproof structures, and a contract was

awarded to the New York architectural firm of

Boring and Tilton to design the second

immigration station. Boring and Tilton’s plan

featured an impressive French Renaissance brick

immigration building with limestone trim, and the

addition of a second island and hospital. Boring

and Tilton proposed extensive landscaping for

both islands, but it was never implemented.

Contractors completed the construction of the

second island, known as Island Two, in December

1898. On December 17, 1900, the second

immigration station opened on the original part

of Ellis Island, now called Island One, and

authorities processed more than two thousand

immigrants that day. The hospital on Island Two

opened in 1901.

In 1902 President Theodore Roosevelt appointed

William Williams, a respected Wall Street lawyer

with experience in government legal service, as the

new Commissioner of Immigration for the Port

of New York. Williams instituted procedures to

ensure efficient, honest, courteous, and sanitary

treatment of immigrants. He improved the

island’s landscape with the addition of turfgrass,

Ligustrum (privet) hedges, concrete sidewalks,

benches, flower beds, and lighting.

By 1903 the number of immigrants passing

through Ellis Island had increased significantly
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

5

and the facilities became inadequate for

processing the large number of people. In

response to complaints by Commissioner

Williams and others, President Roosevelt

appointed a commission to investigate the island

conditions in September 1903. The commission

identified several inadequacies, including the lack

of space in the major buildings, poor sleeping

facilities for long-term detainees, and poor

sanitation on the island.3 These concerns were

not immediately addressed by the Bureau of

Immigration due in part to a lack of adequate and

timely funding by Congress. However, the Bureau

made changes a little at a time in an effort to

improve and maintain the facilities. The addition

of Island Three between 1902 and 1906 increased

Ellis Island’s total size to just over twenty acres.

The hospital facilities expanded with the

construction of new buildings on Island Two and

a contagious-disease hospital on Island Three.

Between 1907 and circa 1920, the Bureau of

Immigration continued to use the facilities on

Ellis Island for their intended immigration

purpose – except for a brief period during World

War I.4 Immigration numbers peaked at the

facility in 1907, with the processing of 1,123,842

immigrants during the fiscal year.5 Immigration

levels for the next five years remained high, with

well over half a million immigrants each year, and

in the two years prior to the outbreak of the war,

levels once again passed the one million mark.6

With the high level of immigration, the facilities

became overcrowded and overused. The resulting

unsanitary conditions necessitated many facility

improvements between 1911 and 1914.

With the entry of the United States into World

War I in 1917, supervision of Ellis Island was

temporarily transferred from the Bureau of

Immigration under the Department of Labor to

the War Department for U. S. Army and Navy use.

A portion of the facilities was also used by the

Department of Justice as a detention center for

German merchant ship crews and other suspected

enemy aliens. Approximately twenty-two hundred

sailors and enemy aliens were housed and kept

under surveillance by the Department of Justice

in the main immigration building and baggage and

dormitory building on Island One. In February

1918 these detainees were transferred to mainland

camps, including Fort Ogelthorpe and Hot

Springs.7 After the departure of the detainees, the

U. S. Army Medical Department and the U. S.

Navy used the buildings as a way station for

soldiers and sailors destined for Europe, and as a

hospital for returning American soldiers. Some

minor changes were implemented by the Army to

accommodate the influx of patients, including the

replacement of the wooden causeway between

Islands Two and Three with a new covered

passageway to facilitate easier and safer transfer of

patients between buildings.8

At the end of the war, the military withdrew from

the island by mid-1919. In September 1919 the

U. S. Public Health Service assumed control of

the hospital from the Department of Labor and

operated it as marine “Hospital No. 43.” The

transfer agreement stipulated that immigrant

patients would continue to have precedence in

admission over other patients, including U. S.

seamen, although by 1929 most patients were

affiliated with the Merchant Marine or U. S. Coast

Guard and only twenty-five percent of the

patients were immigrants.9 The Department of

Labor resumed management of the remainder of

the facilities and returned the island to its prior

use as an immigration station.10 Improvements

during the early 1920s included initial construction

of a new concrete and granite seawall around

Island One, and the installation of landfill

between Islands Two and Three.

During and immediately after World War I, the

Bureau of Immigration gradually changed the

primary use of Ellis Island from an immigrant

processing facility to a detention facility. A

number of factors contributed to this change,

such as new processing methods, fluctuating

immigration rates, and the establishment of quota

laws. Prior to this era, the Bureau of Immigration

inspected first- and second-class passengers

aboard ship. Aliens who did not pass this

inspection and all steerage passengers were sent to

Ellis Island by barge for a more detailed

inspection. During the war the Bureau processed

all immigrants aboard ship and none were sent to
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

6

Ellis Island. More restrictive immigration began

when Congress passed the Immigration Act of

1917, introducing a literacy test requirement and

more detailed examinations of immigrants. This

law and the war itself effectively slowed the influx

of immigrants, with only fifty thousand

immigrants processed during fiscal year 1918, the

lowest immigration numbers since 1890. More

permanent restrictions followed when Congress

passed the first quota law in 1921, limiting the

numbers of each nationality allowed to enter the

country.11 Despite these limitations, there was a

slight increase in immigration through New York

Harbor during the early 1920s, with immigration

levels rising to more than three hundred thousand

in fiscal year 1920.12 But this growth ceased when

Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1924,

placing further restrictions on immigration and

effectively ending mass processing of immigrants

at Ellis Island. After the mid-1920s, the Bureau

of Immigration performed primary examination

of U. S. immigrants at consulates at the

immigrant’s point of origin and visas were issued

prior to arrival in the United States. After arriving

in New York, all passengers, crew, and immigrants

were inspected aboard ship. The Bureau only sent

immigrants to Ellis Island if they did not pass the

onboard inspection, or if they needed medical

treatment.13 The demise of mass inspections

changed the main function of Ellis Island from

immigrant reception and processing to immigrant

detention. The Bureau of Immigration detained

persons awaiting deportation, including those who

failed the shipboard examinations, those who had

illegally entered the United States, or those who

had violated the terms of their admittance, until

their cases were resolved or transportation was

arranged to return them to their countries of

origin.14

As a result of the decrease in population and

activity on the island, many of the facilities fell

“into disuse and disrepair” during the mid- to late1920s.15 In the early 1930s the Ellis Island

Committee examined the island’s deteriorated

facilities and made recommendations to improve

both the physical plant and administrative

operations. Commissioner of Immigration

Edward Corsi implemented many of the

recommendations throughout the following

decade through several Public Works

Administration programs. The Immigration and

Naturalization Service (INS)16 oversaw the

addition of landfill northeast of the main

immigration building for new recreation grounds,

the construction of several new buildings,

including a new ferry building and recreation

building, and the implementation of various

landscape projects. In 1939 the Federal Works

Agency’s Office of the Supervising Architect for

the Public Buildings Administration developed a

comprehensive planting plan for the entire island.

The INS immediately began implementation of

this plan, continuing the work into the 1940s.

In 1940, prior to U. S. involvement in World

War II, the INS was transferred from the

Department of Labor to the Department of

Justice. Although this did not adversely affect

daily operations, the administrative move did

emphasize the government’s changing attitude

toward immigration fueled by popular opinion.

No doubt a major motivation for the transfer was

the prospect of war and the realization that newly

arrived immigrants were often considered a firstline threat to national security. The Department

of Justice seemed a more appropriate “watchdog”

for this threat than did the Department of

Labor.17

During World War II, Ellis Island once again

became a military facility. It served as a U. S.

Coast Guard station, a hospital for wounded

veterans, and a detention center for enemy aliens.

In 1939 the U. S. Coast Guard took over the new

immigration building and the baggage and

dormitory building, using the facilities for

“training recruits for neutrality patrol duty.”18 The

U. S. Public Health Service continued to operate

the hospitals on Islands Two and Three. The

U. S. Coast Guard facility was decommissioned in

1946, but the INS strengthened the detention

facilities and by 1948 more than one hundred and

fifty Germans remained detained on the island as

enemy aliens. The INS released or deported most

of these detainees by 1949.19
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

7

Immigration fell consistently at the Port of New

York during World War II, from 62,035 in 1939 to

just 1,075 in 1944. However, activity on the island

did not decrease proportionally. The site’s use as a

detention facility saw the average number of daily

detainees rise from 236 in 1940 to more than 800

in 1943-1944. Deportation of aliens became

more difficult or often impossible during the war

because of the devastation of many European

countries’ economy and infrastructure.

Conditions immediately after the war remained

the same, increasing the number of European

immigrants to the United States. As a result,

immigration levels began a steady climb back to

numbers similar to 1920’s levels.20 However, the

rise in immigration numbers did not reflect how

many of these individuals actually landed on Ellis

Island. By 1947 detention was still the primary

activity on the island. Most immigrants were

inspected aboard ship and relatively few set foot

on the island for inspection.21

In 1950 the number of detainees temporarily

increased when Congress passed the Internal

Security Act of 1950, prohibiting aliens who were

members of communist or fascist organizations

from immigrating to the United States. By

November 1950 the INS held more than thirteen

hundred detainees per month on the island. This

increase resulted in some upgrades and repairs to

the facilities between 1951 and 1953, including

changes to the fencing around the recreation yards

on Island One and construction of guardhouses.22

U. S. Public Health Service closed the hospitals on

Islands Two and Three on March 1, 1951. A

special survey board determined the facilities were

“obsolete and that the equipment was outmoded,”

and the numbers of patients had dropped steadily

to about half of the peak-year levels. Federal

Security Administrator Oscar R. Ewing indicated

closure would save approximately $200,000 for the

1951 fiscal year and was the appropriate measure

to take “in the interest of efficiency and

economy.”23 The U. S. Public Health Service

transferred most remaining patients to the

Veterans Administration Hospital in Brooklyn or

the Marine Hospital on Staten Island. However,

they maintained a small infirmary on Ellis Island

for the detainee population.24

In 1951 the U. S. Coast Guard returned to the

island and established the Ellis Island Port

Security Unit. The hospital on Island Two

became offices and crew quarters, and an altered

administration building accommodated a galley

and mess hall. A few of the buildings on Island

Three served as storage for files.25

After Congress passed the Immigration and

Naturalization Act of 1952, resulting in a more

liberalized policy for detaining aliens, the

remaining INS and U. S. Coast Guard operations

became unnecessary. Both organizations ceased

operation and Ellis Island was officially shut down

in November 1954. Closure amounted to

abandonment, and most everything on the island

was left as it was. Other INS offices and the

National Archives acquired the official files and

some office equipment and furniture, but most

miscellaneous items remained on the island. Even

the ferryboat Ellis Island was left docked in its slip.

The General Services Administration (GSA) took

jurisdiction over the island. By March 1955 the

agency determined the property to be “surplus to

the needs of the federal government,” prompting

a search for an appropriate method of liquidation

from the federal government’s ownership.26

The GSA tried unsuccessfully to dispose of the

abandoned property. The island was offered first

to other federal agencies, then to state and local

agencies, and finally to nonprofit institutions. No

eligible applicant or use was found for the

facilities, so the GSA scheduled a private sale for

the island. However, given the historical

significance of the site, widespread public

opposition deterred a private sale. After three bid

solicitations, no acceptable offer was received. In

1960 the GSA continued its liquidation efforts,

allowing the U. S. Department of Health,

Education, and Welfare to request proposals for

public health or educational usage of the island.

Several groups applied for that status during 1961,

however, all were rejected.

In 1962 the Senate Committee on Government

Operations reviewed five bills submitted to the

83rd Congress addressing the possible reuse of

Ellis Island. The Committee formed the

Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations to
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

8

study the various reuse proposals, oversee the

disposition of the island, and resolve the “Ellis

Island question.” The Subcommittee found that

no proposal had “widespread support or stood

out as being more meritorious than the others,”

and attempts to “promote cooperation among the

various sponsors to arrive at joint sponsorship of

a multipurpose proposal failed.”27

Throughout the early 1960s, redevelopment of

the adjacent New Jersey waterfront into a public

park was in the planning stages. This proposed

development spurred the Senate Subcommittee to

consider similar development on Ellis Island for

“national park, monument, or recreational

purposes.” 28 A 1964 NPS study examined this

question, assessed the feasibility of the proposal,

and identified issues and effects created by the

proposed addition of Ellis Island to the existing

Statue of Liberty National Monument. NPS

planners were especially “concerned with the

appraisal of the park and recreation potential of

the island and the development of a concept of

use as it relates to historical importance,

relationship to Liberty Island, relationship to New

Jersey waterfront, and relationship to the New

York Bay region.” 29 After investigation and

analysis, the planning team recommended that

Ellis Island should be included in the national

park system. On June 24, 1964, the NPS

forwarded the report and its findings to the Senate

Subcommittee. The Subcommittee concurred

with the team’s finding, recommending the

creation of the Ellis Island National Historic Site

to the Senate.30

On May 11, 1965, Ellis Island was officially

incorporated into the national park system when

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Proclamation

3656, adding Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty

National Monument. However, there were no

funds to cover the cost of developing facilities on

Ellis Island. As a remedy, Congress passed Public

Law 89-192 on August 17, 1965, authorizing six

million dollars for the development of the island,

but stipulating that not more than three million

dollars would be appropriated during the five

years after passage of the act.31 In 1966 the island

was listed on the National Register of Historic

Places.

The NPS began park planning immediately and

produced several important documents during the

next two decades to guide park management. A

1968 master plan called for preservation of some

of the island’s features and the addition of new

landscape elements to create a more “parklike”

setting. However, this plan was never fully

implemented and the island remained in a

neglected state. NPS work in the mid-1970s

allowed sections of the island to be opened to the

public on a limited basis, including parts of the

main immigration building. Continued NPS

planning throughout the 1980s produced

additional documents addressing the historical

development of the island, its architectural

resources, relevant social themes, preservation

alternatives, and interpretive prospects.

In 1980 and 1981 the NPS began rehabilitation on

Island One with masonry repairs on the main

immigration building. In 1984 it implemented a

more extensive building rehabilitation. To

facilitate construction activities, contractors

installed a temporary bridge between the island

and the New Jersey shore. Rehabilitation of the

Island One altered the landscape considerably and

introduced new features to the site. A raised

grade adjacent to the building on the southeastern

end made the immediate area accessible to visitors

with disabilities. A new Wall of Honor

commemorated donors to the Statue of Liberty /

Ellis Island Foundation. A reconstructed water

tower reestablished a missing historic feature. In

1990 the NPS completed work on the facility and

opened it to the public as the Ellis Island

Immigration Museum.

The structures and landscape on Islands Two and

Three remained relatively untouched during the

1980s and early 1990s and were closed to the

public. They continued to deteriorate, and as a

result in 1992, and again in 1999, Ellis Island was

listed on the National Trust for Historic

Preservation’s Eleven Most-Endangered Sites.

The NPS eventually received funding for building

stabilization through park appropriations, and by

2001 this work was completed for Island Two

structures. Also in 2001, a grant from the

federally funded Save America’s Treasures
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

9

Endnotes for Introduction

1 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building. The

historical landscape section was written by landscape

architect Bruce Kelly in 1984.

2

 The Immigration and Naturalization Service has been

known by different names throughout its history and

has been housed under different governmental

departments throughout the development of

immigration facilities like Ellis Island. The

Immigration Act of 1891 ended the dual system of

state-federal administration of immigration and

established complete federal control by creating the

Bureau of Immigration under the Department of the

Treasury. On July 1, 1903, the Bureau became a

division of the Department of Commerce and Labor.

Passage of the Basic Naturalization Act of 1906

created the combined Bureau of Immigration and

Naturalization within Commerce and Labor. In 1913

the Department of Commerce and Labor was

reorganized and the Bureau of Immigration and

Naturalization was divided into two separate units, the

Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of

Naturalization. In 1933 the two were reunited to form

the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

The INS stayed under the Department of Labor until

1940, when it was moved to the Department of Justice.

In 2002, the agency was moved to the newly formed

Department of Homeland Security. Marian L. Smith,

Overview of INS History (originally published in A

Historical Guide to the U.S. Government, edited by George

T. Kurian, New York: Oxford University Press, 1998),

INS webpage (www.ins.usdoj.gov).

3

 United States Library of Congress, Report of the

Commission Appointed by the President on September 16,

1903, to Investigate the Condition of the Immigrant Station at

Ellis Island (Washington, 1904), pp. 15-16; New York

Times, February 29, 1904, as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 127.

4 New York Times, July 1, 1903 (STLI Library, New York

Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 2); Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 130; “Ellis Island: Its Legal

Status,” p. 6.

5

 It is unclear if the official figures include immigrants

as well as deportees.

6

 U. S. Library of Congress, “Annual Report of the

Commissioner-General of Immigration to the

Secretary of Labor, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1928”

(Washington, 1928), as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 6.

7 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 5, 155-156,

467.

8

Ibid., pp. 5, 155-156, 468.

9 Archeological Resources, p. 68.

preservation program initiated exterior restoration

and interior stabilization of the new ferry building

and hospital outbuilding on Island Two.

Planning for the landscape continued in 2001

when the NPS initiated the development of this

CLR for the entire island and a DCP for Islands

Two and Three. The CLR will provide a more indepth analysis of the site’s historical development

and significance, and make recommendations for

future landscape treatment, while the DCP will

make recommendations for economically feasible

rehabilitation and compatible reuse of the

facilities on Islands Two and Three.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

10

10 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 5, 155-156,

468.

11 “History of Ellis Island, New York,” U.S.

Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization

Service, Division of Research and Education, October

1947 (STLI Library EL-MS EH-6); “History of Ellis

Island, New York,” U.S. Department of Justice,

Immigration and Naturalization Service, December 1,

1952 (STLI Library, EL-MS EH-7); U.S. Library of

Congress, “Annual Report of the CommissionerGeneral of Immigration to the Secretary of Labor,

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1928” (Washington, 1928),

as cited in Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 6.

12 U. S. Library of Congress, “Annual Report of the

Commissioner-General of Immigration to the

Secretary of Labor, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1928”

(Washington, 1928), as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 6.

13 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 7; History of

Ellis Island, 1947; History of Ellis Island, 1952.

14 Ibid.

15 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 7.

16 Formerly the separate Bureau of Immigration and

the Bureau of Naturalization, see endnote 2.

17 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” p. 6; Archeological

Resources, p. 75.

18 Archeological Resources, p. 74.

19 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 7, 414;

Archeological Resources, pp. 74-76.

20 Archeological Resources, pp. 75-76.

21 “History of Ellis Island, New York,” 1947,

pp. 2, 6.

22 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 8, 212;

Archeological Resources, p. 81.

23 New York Times, December 28, 1950, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 499-500.

24 Archeological Resources, p. 81.

25 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 8, 501,

571; Archeological Resources, p. 81.

26 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 8;

Archeological Resources, p. 86; “Ellis Island: Its Legal

Status,” p. 6.

27 National Park Service, A Master Plan for Ellis Island,

New York. (United States Department of the Interior,

1968), p. 1.

28 A Master Plan for Ellis Island, New York, 1968.

29 United States Department of the Interior, National

Park Service, “A Study Report on Ellis Island,” June

1964.

30 A Master Plan for Ellis Island, New York, 1968.

31 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 8; A Master

Plan for Ellis Island, New York, 1968, p. 13.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

11
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Introduction

12
13

CHAPTER 1: PREIMMIGRATION PERIOD

(PREHISTORY – 1890)

During the period from prehistory to 1890, Ellis

Island grew from a small islet in New York

Harbor with relatively few distinguishing

characteristics to a highly developed island

dramatically influenced by human intervention.

Ownership of the site passed from Native

Americans to early colonists and eventually to the

state and federal governments. Land use patterns

evolved from occasional Native American

subsistence gathering, to small-scale recreational

and residential usage by colonists, to a fully

functional military fortification protecting an

increasingly prosperous and developed urban

harbor. Throughout this period the island’s

permanent inhabitants altered the natural

landscape by adding landfill and constructing

numerous buildings, fortifications, and small-scale

features like wells, docks, and seawalls. Through

the years this continued construction greatly

affected the island’s native vegetation, replacing it

with a new palette of low growing grasses that

accommodated the increased human activity and a

few trees and garden plots planted by island

residents. By the end of the period, Ellis Island

was no longer recognizable as the small glacial

deposit from which it was born, but was a fully

developed island ready to move into a new era of

use as the location of the country’s premier

immigration station.

Prehistory

During the late Wisconsin Period, approximately

fifteen thousand years ago, retreating glaciers

deposited a small landmass in what is now called

New York Harbor, creating a “hummock along a

plain fronting the west side of the Hudson River

estuary.” 1 With the melting of the icecaps and

rise in sea level approximately fifteen hundred

years ago, this hummock eventually became a

small island surrounded by shallow tidal waters.

As the young island’s ecology developed, the site

became vegetated with species similar to other

coastal barrier islands. Typical plant life would

have included salt-spray tolerant grasses and

shrubs that could survive with limited fresh water.

Along the intertidal zone, brackish marsh grasses

like salt marsh cordgrass, salt grass, and salt

meadow hay, would have thrived. It is unlikely

there were any heavily wooded areas on the island,

as the predominant oak-chestnut forests grew on

more upland sites, including the mainland

piedmont and Manhattan Island. Given the lack

of substantial vegetation and fresh water, there

was minimal support for a large animal

community. Prevalent species were migratory and

permanent bird populations, amphibians, and

small mammals.2 However, the shallows around

the island supported a productive marine

environment, with a variety of fish and mollusks

like the American oyster, hard clams, blue mussels,

striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, flounder, and

sturgeon. It is likely that Native Americans

subsisted on these resources, although “the fish

and shellfish of the Hudson River estuary were of

equal if not greater importance locally in this

regard.” 3

The particular abundance of shellfish in the

surrounding tidal flats gave rise to the use of

“Oyster Islands” as an early name for Ellis Island

and other nearby islands and shoals. Great Oyster

Island was the largest of these and eventually

became known as Bedloe’s Island.4 Ellis Island

was initially called Little Oyster Island even

though it was the second largest in size, and the

smallest island was a shoal or group of shoals

located south of Great Oyster. An early

description by European settlers described Little

Oyster and the surrounding shoals as “three small

islands of a mere acre each, which were barely

visible above the tide between Bedloe’s

Island...and the New York – New Jersey shore.”5

Early Native American Use

Prior to European contact and colonization, Ellis

Island may have been permanently settled by

native peoples.6 However, given the abundance of
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

14

natural resources in the area around the island and

more suitable locations for settlement, it is more

likely that they used the island primarily for the

“exploitation of food resources.” 7 The island’s

topography as the high ground on a relatively flat

plain provided an ideal spot for hunters to

observe “migratory herd animals, starting as soon

as the last Wisconsin glacial melt had passed.”8

Native Americans may have found the island to be

a suitable location for temporary hunting and

fishing camps. But as the sea level rose, access to

the island became more difficult and fresh water

became harder to obtain, further restricting the

possibility of permanent settlement. It became

far more likely that seasonal harvesting of the

oyster beds and animal populations became the

primary focus of human activities on the island.

Limited use by the Native Americans kept the

island in a relatively natural state. Since it is

unlikely that there were permanent settlements

during this era, there would have been minimal

long-lasting human impacts upon the island.

Shelters or other constructed structures were

temporary in nature and few if any remnants of

these features would have survived longer than a

season or two. This pattern of seasonal

occupation would have allowed some regeneration

of the plant and animal life during times the island

was unoccupied.

Dutch Colonization of Oyster Island

Even though the Oyster Islands were probably

not used as permanent settlements by Native

Americans, the islands were still considered native

lands. So in 1630, when Dutch colonists wanted

to obtain the rights to Little Oyster Island, they

contracted a purchase agreement with the local

Native Americans. After the Dutch purchased the

island, it was granted to Mynher Michael Paw (or

Paauw) for his contributions to the establishment

of the Dutch colonies in the New World. Little

is known about Paw’s usage of the island.

Records indicate that sometime between 1674 and

1680, Governor Edmond Andross of the Royal

Colony of New York granted Little Oyster Island

to Captain William Dyre. On April 23, 1686,

William and Mary Dyre sold the island to Thomas

Lloyd, who subsequently conveyed the island to

Enoch and Mary Story.9

Under colonial ownership, Little Oyster Island

continued to be a profitable location for gathering

fish and shellfish, although it was eventually used

for other activities as well. The site served as a

temporary retreat for Dutch and English settlers

from their permanent mainland homes, becoming

a convenient place for picnicking and relaxation.

An early map of the island drawn from a 1766-

1767 survey and published in 1776 shows several

structures that may have accommodated both the

fishing and increased recreational activities on the

island (Figure 1.1).

By the mid-1700s other, less savory uses were also

recorded for Little Oyster Island. It became a

convenient public execution site for criminals,

especially pirates such as “Pirate Anderson,” who

was put to death by public hanging in 1765. The

island continued to be a highly visible execution

site until at least the 1830s. Often the body of an

executed pirate was left hanging from the gallows

tree, called a “Gibbet Tree,” as a deterrent for

other would-be criminals. This tree, or group of

trees, was identified on several island maps from

the period and as a result the island was often

called Gibbet Island.10

Although some of the executed may have been

buried on the island, it is unlikely that this was a

common practice. An 1831 account indicates the

bodies were “sent to the College of Surgeons and

Physicians for dissection.”11 That may have been

the prevailing method of disposing of the bodies

as no evidence has been found that any part of

the original island was used consistently as a

graveyard by island inhabitants.

The arrival of European colonists during the

seventeenth and eighteenth centuries resulted in

new land use patterns and incremental changes to

the landscape. They added features to

accommodate increasingly permanent human

occupancy, including buildings for residential and

commercial use, freshwater wells, subsistence

gardens, and structures needed for resource
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

15

Figure 1.1 Map of New York Harbor from 1776, including Governors Island, Bedloe’s Island, and Ellis Island (labeled

Bucking Island). Several structures are shown on Ellis Island, indicating increased usage by colonists. (copied from

Pousson, Archaeological Resources, p. 17, original source unknown)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

16

gathering like docking and staging areas for fishing

activities. The colonists changed the island’s

landscape by adding more permanent circulation

patterns and seasonally harvesting available

resources. During this period, views from the

island toward the harbor and mainland were an

important feature for island visitors.

Samuel Ellis Purchase

In 1774 Samuel Ellis purchased Little Oyster

Island and it became known as Ellis Island.

Among other activities Ellis operated a tavern on

the island. He made some improvements to the

site, possibly including the addition of buildings

shown on the 1776 map, although the exact

locations and configuration of these structures

may or may not be accurate. Additional maps

drawn around the turn of the nineteenth century

show brick buildings arranged in a different

layout. Ellis placed advertisements on at least two

separate occasions for the sale of barrels of shad

and herring, indicating the island’s resources

continued to be exploited during his ownership.

By 1785 Samuel Ellis attempted to sell the island

for unknown reasons, but was unsuccessful.12

In 1794 Samuel Ellis died, leaving a will stipulating

that Ellis Island should pass to the unborn child

of his daughter Catherine Westervelt, but only if

she had a son. A male child was born, also named

Samuel Ellis. However, the child died within a few

years, and letters of administration for the child’s

estate were granted to his mother. On December

24, 1806, John A. Berry acquired deed to the

island. According to this deed, after the child

Samuel Ellis had died, “the Island passed into the

hands of the two remaining daughters of the

original Samuel Ellis, namely Elizabeth Ellis

Ryerson and Rachel Ellis Cooder.”13

Fort Gibson

In the mid-1790s, during a time of increased

tensions between the United States and Great

Britain, New York State prepared for the

installation of defenses around New York Harbor.

Ellis Island was one of the chosen sites. On April

21, 1794, the Corporation of the City of New

York ceded “the soil from high to low waters

mark around Ellis’s Island” to the citizens of New

York State to install fortifications on the island.14

The majority of the island, however, still remained

in the ownership of the heirs of Samuel Ellis.15

In 1795 the New York State Legislature

appropriated $100,000 to construct fortifications

on Governors, Bedloe’s, and Ellis Islands. The

state acquired total jurisdiction over the

fortifications on the three islands on February 15,

1800, and soon constructed earthwork

fortifications on the southeast end of Ellis Island.

A jetty was also added to the island’s southwest

side. An inlet on the northeast side of the island

may have been dug as a source of earth for the

fortifications or the jetty. The preexisting

commercial facilities remained concentrated on

the northwest side of the island (Figure 1.2).16

The tensions with Great Britain eased and the fort

was never used in battle. However, by the late

1790s, there was a similar threat of war with

France, and in response the state upgraded and

strengthened the harbor fortifications. A 1798

report to the Secretary of War indicated “the

barracks on Ellis Island had been completed, that

twelve 24 pounders had been mounted there, and

that the island could accommodate one company

of soldiers.”17

By circa 1800 incremental addition of the harbor

fortifications changed the island’s landscape

drastically. Land use became less residential and

commercial and more military. Construction of

the jetty, earthworks, and the small inlet to provide

the fill for these additions altered the island’s

topography. Extant buildings at the fort,

including a magazine, barracks, store, and

“hot-shot” furnace, changed the spatial

organization and circulation patterns of the island

by concentrating the majority of island activities

to the south shore, away from the earlier

commercial center in the north. Although little is

known about the vegetation at this time, it is likely

trees and scrub that might obscure views of the

harbor from the fort were continually cleared.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

17

Figure 1.2 Circa 1800 map of New York Harbor, showing fortifications and structures on Governors Island, Bedloe’s Island, and Ellis Island (labeledOyster Island). A dock, inlet, and several buildings are marked on Ellis Island. (Karpinski Collection, Map Division, The New York Public Library, Astor,Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

18

The anticipated conflict with France did not

materialize, and by 1805, the fort was in disrepair

again. Nevertheless, after inspection of the

facilities for the War Department by Lieutenant

Colonel Jonathan Williams, the federal

government initiated plans to erect a “casemated

Battery” on the island in anticipation of future

harbor defense needs.18

This plan was approved in 1807, and in 1808 the

state of New York purchased Ellis Island from

the Ellis heirs through condemnation proceedings

and ceded it to the federal government.19 During

the legal process, it was found that those with a

claim to Ellis Island included “John A. Berry,

Samuel E. Ryerson, Nancy Ryerson, William

Kingsland and Rachel, his wife, and others, to the

Jururs foresaid unknown.”20 In estimating what

would be fair compensation for the owners, it was

determined:

The quality and appearance of the

land is no criterion to judge its value

to the owners. It is found to be one

of the most lucrative situations for

shad fishing by set netts [sic] within

some distance of this place, yielding

annually from 450 to 500 Dollars to

the occupant from this single

circumstance. The Oyster Banks

being in its vicinity affords an

income in the loan of oyster boats,

rakes, etc. of which before I had no

idea; besides this a considerable

advantage results to the occupant

from a tavern in the only possible

place of communication for people

engaged there between the oyster

banks and this city.21

in and to the lands, tenements and appurtenances

above mentioned and described [Ellis Island]” to

the United States Secretary of War.22

During the War of 1812, Ellis Island defenses

were improved again. No battles were fought on

the island during the war, but the U. S. Eleventh

Regiment stationed up to one hundred eighty-two

artillerists on the island, along with British

prisoners of war. There was no substantial

change to the island’s topography, land use, or

circulation patterns. By 1813 the War Department

had upgraded the earthworks to a stone parapet

with thirteen embrasures. Extant buildings dating

to circa 1800 included the furnace, store, barracks,

and magazine, while the state and federal

governments had added a two-story officers’

quarters, flagstaff, pump, and sentry box at later

dates. On the northwest end of the island,

structures from the island’s earlier commercial use

remained clustered around a well. Additionally,

the inlet had been filled, and a low stone or brick

wall encircled the entire island. A map from this

period shows three large trees present near the

commercial buildings, but none were identified

and no other vegetation is depicted on the island

(Figure 1.3).

After the war, the facilities were used primarily as

a recruiting depot, and in 1814 the site was

officially named Fort Gibson by the Secretary of

War. 23 Activity on the island decreased over the

next several years and the fort was nearly

abandoned for a short time. There are few known

details about island usage during the 1820s.

However, historic maps indicate that by circa 1820

the War Department had modified the parapet

with a brick facing and backing, constructed a

cookhouse near the jetty, placed a crane on the

jetty, and removed the furnace and commercial

buildings. Only one of the trees shown on earlier

maps remained and it was identified as an apple

tree (Figure 1.4).

In 1834 an interstate agreement between New

York and New Jersey declared Ellis Island and

Bedloe’s Island to be part of New York, even

though the islands were on the New Jersey side of

the main ship channel. By 1835 the United States

The Sheriff of the City and County of New York,

under direction of the Chancellor of New York

State, determined that damages sustained by the

interested parties if the state took the island

would equal $10,000. The governor approved the

expenditure and granted title to the people of

New York State on June 18, 1808. On June 30,

1808, the state transferred ownership of the island

to the United States government when Governor

Daniel D. Tompkins executed a deed for “all the

right, title and interest of the state of New York
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

19

Army and Navy jointly administered Fort Gibson,

which was primarily used as a naval powder

magazine.24

In 1841 the U. S. Army resumed complete

administration of Fort Gibson and made

extensive repairs during the next year, including

construction of a new hot shot furnace. The

primary land use remained military and the U. S.

Navy maintained its magazine on the island.

However, the Army downgraded the site from

Fort Gibson to Battery Gibson, the facility was

not garrisoned, and only a small navy guard was

left to protect the magazine.25

By 1854 the fort consisted of an eleven-gun

battery and three naval magazines. Other

additions included a railroad line from the jetty to

the magazines and a kitchen and oven next to the

officers’ quarters. The military removed the

cookhouse and extended the jetty with the

addition of a boathouse and boat slip.26 The

military also constructed a new group of

structures in the location of the former

commercial and residential buildings on the

island’s north end, including a gun carriage house,

a barn, gunners’ house, and privy. These changes

altered the spatial organization and circulation

patterns of the island slightly by adding residential

facilities away from the main fort area (Figure 1.4).

In 1861 the fort’s primary role shifted from

defense to ammunitions storage when the U. S.

Navy partially dismantled the parapet and

upgraded the magazine to a more extensive

facility. During the Civil War, defenses were

temporarily upgraded again when the U. S. Army

fortified the island with ten rifled 32-pounders

and two smoothbore eight-inch seacoast

howitzers, mounted in position to fire over the

top of the dismantled parapet. The U. S. Navy

continued to control the fort during and after the

war, overseeing the six masonry magazines and

two shell houses. During the war, the Navy

constructed shell house number one north of the

existing barracks and converted the former

officers’ quarters into shell house number two.27

As was the established pattern, deterioration of

the fort set in after the war ended.28 Eventually,

the neglect was so bad that the wooden gun

carriages rotted in place and the guns were unable

to fire. By the late 1860s public concern rose

about the dangers of storing powder and shells on

an island so close to a heavily populated area and

the “imminent peril” to the New York City

vicinity if the magazines were to explode.29

However, this concern did not dissuade the

U. S. Navy from keeping the magazine on the

island.30

Figure 1.3 An 1813 map of Ellis Island with a profile of the buildings of Fort Gibson. The entire map also

shows Governors and Bedloe’s Islands, but only the excerpts pertaining to Ellis Island are shown here. (National

Archives and Records Administration, RG77, Drawer 36-20)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

20

human alteration and occupation. The island’s

development is graphically depicted in Figure 1.4,

which illustrates the changes from 1776 until

1870, and Figure 1.5, a period plan of the island

for 1890.

By 1890 nearly all characteristics of the island’s

landscape were modified to some extent, with the

most significant development resulting from

changes in primary land use and exponential

increase in structures and small-scale features

needed to support these new uses.

Military facilities defined spatial organization and

land use on the island. The main part of Fort

Gibson, on the island’s south end, housed the

storage facilities for powder and ammunition

shells, while residential areas for naval personnel

were concentrated in buildings on the island’s

northern end.

Extensions on both the main jetty and the smaller

jetty near the gunners’ house, as well as the

addition of two new docks, increased the island’s

footprint. However, the topography remained

largely unchanged.

A series of plank walks, including walks along the

edge of the seawalls, provided circulation

throughout the island. Railway lines used for

transporting ammunition and supplies linked

buildings to the main dock and with one another.

Boats to one of two main docks on either the

north or south side of the island provided access

to and from the island.

Most structures present in 1870 were also extant

in 1890. Several new structures were added,

including a boathouse on the new dock north of

the gunners’ house and a filling house on the new

dock near shell house number one. Only one

guardhouse remained on the northern end of the

island. The parapet and powder magazines were

constructed of stone and brick, the pyrotechnic

magazine and shell houses were brick, and the

remaining structures were wooden.

Vegetation was minimal as it had been during

previous eras, consisting primarily of a few trees,

By 1870 the U. S. Navy utilized the entire island

for support of its magazine. The military

converted existing barracks and officers’ quarters

into additional magazines and a tank house, and

added new structures including a loaded shell

house, powder house, steam fire engine house,

kitchen, woodshed, carpenter shop, icehouse, and

pigpen. It also constructed two new docks., one

on the northeast side of the island near the new

kitchen, and another with a small boathouse on

the western side of the island in front of the

gunners’ quarters. Other improvements made by

the U. S. Navy included the addition of railway

lines between the main jetty/dock and the various

magazines, the construction of several small

guardhouses, and the installation of least two

more flagstaffs. Maps from this period also show

a large garden area between the magazines and

loaded shell house. Although it is likely there were

gardens on the island for food production for

some time, this circa 1870 documentation gave the

first indication where these features were actually

located in the landscape (Figure 1.4).

Some change occurred on Ellis Island between the

end of the Civil War and 1890, primarily in the

number of structures on the island and the

increased U. S. Navy activity associated with

operations of the magazine. In 1881 the federal

government’s jurisdiction was extended to include

waters surrounding the island when New York

executed a deed granting the federal government

“title and jurisdiction of lands covered with water

at Bedloe’s Island, Ellis Island and elsewhere.”31

The 1890 Landscape

Ellis Island’s landscape was extensively altered

from its earliest history as Native American

seasonal hunting and fishing grounds to a midnineteenth-century military fortification. In three

centuries of human use and occupation, the

original “hummock” on the estuary of the

Hudson River had changed dramatically. The

natural landscape of Little Oyster Island with its

minimal evidence of human use and occupation

had been transformed to a highly impacted

landscape with numerous extant examples of
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

21

native grasses, and shrubs. No substantial trees

were present on the island. The garden first

shown on circa 1870 maps remained extant

between the two shell houses, and an additional

garden was located on the island’s northern end,

near the gunners’ house.

Due in part to the lack of significant vegetation,

views from the island to the harbor and beyond

remained relatively unobstructed. The primary

views from the island were toward Manhattan and

the New Jersey shore and to other harbor islands

including Governors Island and the Statue of

Liberty on Bedloe’s Island. Views within the

island were somewhat obstructed by the buildings.

Small-scale features included two cisterns located

near shell house number two, a flagstaff near the

office, and the cribwork seawall surrounding a

major part of the island.

Endnotes for Chapter 1

1Archeological Resources, pp. 5-6.

2

 An early Mohegan name for Ellis Island was Kioshk

or Gull Island, likely referring to a substantial gull

population on the island. Henry H. Pike, “Ellis Island:

Its Legal Status,” (Washington, DC: General Services

Administration, Office of General Counsel, February

11, 1963), pp. 2-3.

3 Archeological Resources, pp. 9-10.

4

 Currently called Liberty Island and serving as the

home of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

5

 U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration and

Naturalization Service, History of Ellis Island, New York,

December 1, 1952, p. 1.

6

 Undoubtedly Ellis Island was used by prehistoric

peoples and Native Americans. However, any scenario

of prehistoric use is speculative since substantial

archeological evidence of extended habitation has not

been found on the island.

7 Archeological Resources, p. 13.

8

 Susan Kardas and Edward Larrabee, Report of

Archeological Resources Probability and Significance and

Recommendations for Protection, Ferry Slip and Approach

Channel, Ellis Island (Denver, CO: United States

Department of Interior, National Park Service,

Denver Service Center, 1976), p. 12, as cited in

Archeological Resources, p. 13.

9

 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” p. 3; History of Ellis

Island, 1952, p. 1.

10 On an 1813 map, two large trees are indicated on

the northwest side of the island. Although these were

not specifically identified as Gibbet Trees, they are in

the general location of trees later so identified. On an

1896 map a Gibbet Tree is shown northeast of the

original immigration building. This tree appears dead

in construction photographs taken in 1900. A 1913

map showing the second immigration station identifies

another Gibbet Tree located just northeast of the

kitchen and laundry building. It is shown in

photographs dating to 1892 and 1901, and appears on

an early 1916 map but is not shown on the site in a

map made during the later part of the same year.

“Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” pp. 2-3; History of Ellis

Island, 1952, p. 1; Archeological Resources, pp. 15-16, 19,

123.

11 Sidney Berengarten, Ellis Island (Civil Works

Administration, Office of National Parks, United

States Department of Interior, 1934), p. 23, as cited in

Archeological Resources, p. 19.

12 Ibid., p. 16.

13 John A. Berry may have been related to Samuel Ellis,

since he was listed in later documentation an owner of

the island when the state of New York initiated
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

22

condemnation proceedings against the remaining Ellis

heirs. It is unclear from the record what became of

Catherine Westervelt. “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,”

p. 3.

14 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” p. 3.

15 Harlan D. Unrau, Historic Structure Report, Ellis Island,

Historical Data, Statue of Liberty National Monument, New

York/New Jersey (Denver, CO: United States

Department of the Interior, National Park Service,

Denver Service Center, 1981), p. 3.

16 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” pp. 3-4; Archeological

Resources, pp. 19-20.

17 Archeological Resources, p. 20.

18 Ibid.

19 Ibid.; Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 3.

20 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” pp. 4-5.

21 Letter, May 16, 1808, Public Papers of D. D.

Tompkins, Vol. II, p. 85, as cited in Archeological

Resources, p. 15.

22 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” pp. 4-5.

23 The fort was named after James Gibson.

Archeological Resources, p. 23; Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 3.

24 Archeological Resources, p. 30; Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 3.

25 Archeological Resources, p. 30.

26 Ibid., pp. 29-30.

27 Ibid., p. 32.

28 Ibid., p. 33.

29 Harper’s Weekly, March 14, 1868, as cited in

 Archeological Resources, p. 33.

30 The perceived public danger from the magazine may

have been a contributing factor to the later decision to

close the magazine and site the new federal

immigration station on the island.

31 Archeological Resources, pp. 33-35;

“Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” p. 5.
23

Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

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Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 1: Preimmigration Period (Prehistory – 1890)

26
27

CHAPTER 2: FIRST IMMIGRATION

STATION (1890 – 1897)

Between 1890 and 1897, the Ellis Island landscape

changed dramatically. Immigration became the

island’s primary land use, and the federal

government constructed a new facility to process

the thousands of immigrants passing through the

port of New York each year. To accommodate

this expansion, the Department of the Treasury

removed many of the existing naval magazine

structures, added cribwork and landfill to increase

the island’s footprint, and constructed numerous

wooden buildings to accommodate immigrants’

processing, medical care, and temporary housing.

They added small-scale features to the island like

fences, walks, and lighting, and in the process

removed nearly all of the extant vegetation, except

for a few trees around existing buildings. By 1897

the island was more than fourteen acres in size

and had twelve major buildings extant. The new

Ellis Island Immigration Station was ready to

greet the flood of immigrants expected to arrive

at the dawn of the new century.

Selection of Ellis Island for Federal

Immigration Station

Up until 1875, immigration matters were generally

handled by individual states, except for some

minor limitations placed in immigrant numbers by

the federal government. In that year a new era in

immigration began with initiation of federal

exclusion laws to curtail the immigration of

“unacceptable” individuals. The first law excluded

criminals and prostitutes. By 1882 an additional

law prevented immigration of “any convict,

lunatic, idiot, or any person unable to take care of

himself or herself without becoming a public

charge.”1 A similar restriction applied specifically

to Chinese laborers. In 1885 the Alien Contract

Labor Law made it “unlawful to import aliens for

labor under contract.”2 These restrictions, the

inability of New York and other states to care for

sick or indigent immigrants adequately, and

unsuccessful attempts to manage immigration

through a mixed federal-state system, led to the

eventual removal of immigration control from the

states and the establishment of centralized

immigration oversight within the United States

Department of the Treasury.

In New York, the state immigration facilities had

been located at Castle Garden on the southern tip

of Manhattan since 1855. At the time

immigration processing was transferred to the

federal government, the operations at Castle

Garden were plagued with “varied charges of

mismanagement, abuse of immigrants, and

evasion of the laws.”3 As a result, Secretary of

the Treasury William Windom wanted to make a

complete break from the existing facilities and

establish a new immigration station in New York

that would be “isolated and completely under

federal control.”4 An island in New York Harbor

was the ideal setting for the new station, and the

Department of the Treasury undertook a study to

locate the most appropriate choice. On February

13, 1890, Secretary Windom, Solicitor Hepburn,

and Collector Erhardt took a tour of the various

proposed sites. According to a New York Times

article,

The three gentlemen went first to

Castle Garden, which they inspected

thoroughly. Then they boarded the

Government tug, W. E. Chandler, at

the Barge Office, and crossed over to

Governors Island.

Gen. O. O. Howard showed them all

over the island. It was about a threemile walk altogether. From there they

went to Bedloe’s Island, where they

spent a few moments. Then they

steamed around Ellis Island. There is

a quantity of gunpowder stored there,

and the officials would have been

compelled to throw away some

freshly-lighted, special-brand cigars.5

Over the next several weeks there was much

speculation about which island would be chosen.

Secretary Windom did not want Ellis Island

because the island was too small and so low that it

barely rose above water during high tide.6

Governors Island was a likely candidate since
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

28

there was already a federal military presence on

the island, and even though there was

“considerable opposition from the Army,

Secretary Windom believed that there was plenty

of room for both military and civil purposes.”7

Despite this reasoning, in the end Windom

preferred Bedloe’s Island. On March 1, 1890, the

New York Times reported that Windom “issued

orders for the establishment of an immigrant

landing depot on Bedloe’s Island, New York

Harbor, and arrangements will at once be made

for the construction of the necessary buildings.”8

However, there was intense local opposition to

using Bedloe’s Island because of the presence of

the Statue of Liberty. The statue’s creator,

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, even contested the

decision, calling it a “monstrous plan” and

“downright desecration.”9 The sensitive issue of

the federal government taking over immigration

from New York State fueled public sentiment.

Local politician Big Alderman Flynn “introduced

a resolution which protested against the

Government taking the island for a landing place

for immigrants as a ‘wanton act of vandalism’.” 10

He called on New York State’s congressional

representatives to “do all in their power to prevent

the taking of the island.”11 The board of

aldermen passed the resolution unanimously,

although it was not binding on the federal

decision-makers.

After the temporary congressional committee on

immigration examined the options on Governors

Island, Bedloe’s Island, and Ellis Island, and took

into consideration the military and public opinion,

they recommended Ellis Island for the facility. Of

the three islands, Ellis was the only site with “no

powerful sentiment to be overridden” since the

removal of the naval magazine for safety reasons

was still a very popular issue. 12 Once the choice

was made, Congress proceeded quickly with

funding. On April 11, 1890, it appropriated

$75,000 to remove the powder magazines at Fort

Gibson and make improvements on the island to

accommodate its anticipated new use as New

York Harbor’s primary immigration facility.13

Construction of First Immigration Station

On May 24, 1890, the federal government

formally transferred Ellis Island from the War

Department to the Department of the Treasury.

Planning for the new immigration facilities began

immediately under the supervision of John W.

Marshall, Superintendent of Repairs of the U. S.

Public Buildings Service in New York. Marshall’s

assistant, J. Bachmeyer, prepared the plans,

proposing “a main building, which would be

perhaps 200 x 245 feet, a baggage station on the

pier, which would be about 80 x 450 feet...The

structures might be made principally of iron.” 14

In addition, the plan called for a boiler and engine

house, three hospital buildings, kitchen and dining

room for the hospital, and restaurant.15 Upon

further revision, published accounts of the plan

described a wooden, two-story main building with

a slate roof and towers on each end, an “insane

hospital” in the renovated shell house number

one, a wooden kitchen and dining room addition

to shell house number one, a brick hospital, and

doctor’s cottage in one of the existing gunners’

houses.16

In preparation for construction of the new

facilities, the Department of the Treasury

removed the ammunition stored at Fort Gibson’s

naval magazine along with the remaining guns,

parapet, and gun platform. It also razed some

existing structures including the office building,

pyrotechnic magazine, fire engine house, and

various outbuildings, while other buildings were to

be reused.17

Construction of the new buildings necessitated

major site work, including the expansion of the

island with the addition of landfill and the

construction of docking and landing facilities. To

fund this work, Congress appropriated an

additional $75,000 on August 30, 1890, in addition

to the initial $75,000 appropriation.18 The

Department of the Treasury contracted various

phases of the work to the W. H. Beard Company

and Warren Rosevelt, both of New York City.19

The contractors soon began adding landfill

around the island, except on the east and

northeast sides. The fill material was a mixture of
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

29

mud, clayey sand, and gravel and probably came

from a dredging operation in the ship channel.

The newly established elevation for these filled

areas was approximately two to three feet above

the high-water mark.20 In conjunction with the

landfill, the contractors added more than

seventeen hundred feet of docks and cribwork to

the island. In 1890 they installed a breakwater on

the southeast side of the island, creating a

protected ferry basin. In 1891 a ferry slip, rack,

and landing area were added to the basin’s

northwest side. The work on the ferry racks

included the addition of “bridges, flows, gallow

frames, hoisting chains, sheaves, wenches,

platform connections, receiving platforms,

backing logs, a hauling shed over the bridge at the

bulkhead, a fence and gates across the ferry slip,

and a shed over the side exit.”21 By 1892, with

the completion of the landfill, breakwater, and

docks, the island was approximately eleven acres

in size.

The Department of the Treasury contracted

construction of the main building and boiler

house to the firm of Sheridan & Byrne. It also

secured additional contractors for the renovation

and reuse of other existing structures as

previously planned by Bachmeyer. As Bachmeyer

specified, shell house number one became the

insane hospital, the gunners’ house functioned as

a temporary construction office and then became

the surgeon’s quarters, the large powder magazine

was used as the main kitchen for the station, the

small powder magazine first became a temporary

coal house and then stored records, and shell

house number two became a detention building.22

To supply fresh water to the new facilities,

MacKnight Flintic Stone Company designed and

installed a rainwater reservoir system in the

summer of 1891. The firm placed twelve-footdeep concrete cisterns northwest of the insane

hospital, approximately five feet above sea level.

It also located an additional circular saltwater

cistern southeast of the boiler house. The

freshwater cisterns connected to roof drains to

collect and store rainwater. In September 1891

contractor Thomas J. Kelly installed additional

cast-iron pipes from the downspouts of the boiler

house to the cisterns. However, even with

increased supply lines, the system of downspouts

and cisterns did not provide a reliable source of

water. In 1892 a subsequent contractor installed

an artesian well to supplement the island’s water

supply. Even that did not improve the situation,

and eventually “the whole supply of water, which

amounted to nearly 20,000 gallons per day (was)

brought from Manhattan by steamers and

pumped into storage tanks on Ellis Island.”23

On October 34, 1891, an article about the nearly

completed facilities in Harper’s Weekly described

the island and the new immigration building as,

two and a quarter acres in

extent...long used as the naval

magazine....By necessity the island has

been about doubled in size....a latterday watering place hotel, presenting to

the view a great many-windowed

expanse of buff-painted wooden walls,

of blue-slate roofing, and of light and

picturesque towers. It is 400 feet long,

two stories high, and 150 feet

wide....It is designed to permit the

handling of at least 10,000 immigrants

in a day, and the first story, which is 13

feet in height, is sufficiently capacious

for the storage and handling of the

baggage of 12,000 newcomers.

Elsewhere on the island...there were,

either finished or under construction,

hospital buildings, bathhouse,

powerhouse, kitchen and restaurant,

and doctor’s quarters.”24

The Department of the Treasury approved the

completed facilities and the site was officially

opened on January 1, 1892. Approximately seven

hundred immigrants landed on the island during

its first day of operation. Critics of the new

facilities complained about the excessive

construction costs, running nearly double the

original budget, and the lack of architectural

distinction of the main building, described by

some as having “no particular style of

architecture.”25 Victor Safford, a medical officer

serving at Ellis Island at the time, published the

following reminiscences of the station:
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

30

...There were several substantial stone

and brick buildings on the island

besides the half burned thick stone

and mortar structures once used for

the storage of explosives. These latter

were converted into vaults for the

keeping of immigration records. The

other old buildings were utilized for

various purposes. Some of them,

enlarged and extended, formed a part

of an extensive two story dormitory

for detained immigrants. The hospital

and the main immigration building

were, however, new wooden

structures. The hospital consisted of

a group of one and two story

buildings with sheltered verandas,

arranged on the quadrangular plan. In

some part of the central court,

protected from the wind, rain or sun,

as the need might be, a convalescent

patient could almost always find

comfort out-of-doors in winter or

summer.

The location of the main building at

Ellis Island at the time when I first

made its acquaintance was parallel to

the present structure, but nearer the

water, in fact directly alongside the

ferry slip. It was a two story wooden

building about six hundred feet long

and perhaps one hundred feet wide

with towers at each corner....

26

The Department of the Treasury completed all

major building construction and remodeling of

existing buildings by 1893, although additional

construction projects continued at the station

until 1897. Between 1894 and 1896, new

cribwork bulkheads and fill were added to the east

and northeast edges of the island, extending the

island’s size to some fourteen acres at a cost of

$19,882. The fill material consisted of cinder

waste from the island’s new coal-fired power

plant, clayey sand, and loam, and was graded at

around two and a half and four feet above the

high-water mark. In 1896 contractors remodeled

the detention building from a single-story to a

two-story structure, created a recreation area on

the roof, and installed a temporary detention pen

on the grounds for similar use.27 Other additions

completed under Department of the Treasury

contracts included the construction in 1897 of a

new disinfecting house on the eastern side of the

detention building, the installation of a covered

passageway with a baggage run between the main

building and ferry landing, and the addition of a

landing dock on the south end of the island. In

June 1897 construction on the facility ceased with

the installation of underwater cables to New York

City for telegraph and telephone service via

Governors Island (Figures 2.1 – 2.2). 28

Destruction of Facilities by Fire

On June 15, 1897, just a few days after

construction was completed, a fire destroyed most

of the new immigration facility. The fire broke

out during the early morning in the restaurant and

kitchen building, and the flames soon engulfed the

main building and other structures. The

structures’ wooden walls provided ample fuel for

the fire. All immigrants evacuated the island

within twenty minutes of the first alarm, with no

loss of life. After two and a half hours, the fire

consumed three to four acres of the fourteen-acre

island, and by morning, only three buildings

remained standing – the boiler house, the tank

and coal house, and the surgeon’s quarters. Some

walls of the records storage office and restaurant

and kitchen building also remained, and the

boardwalk along the ferry basin was intact, but

everything else was “a tangle of charcoal, battered

and rusted iron, and ashes.”29

Surprisingly, Ellis Island’s Commissioner of

Immigration Joseph H. Senner was relieved that

the facilities had been consumed by fire. Since the

main buildings had been constructed of wood,

and not masonry or iron, Senner had feared that

sooner or later such an accident would overtake

the structures and many lives would be lost.

Although he was greatly relieved that there were

no casualties, he remarked, “A row of unsightly,

ramshackle tinderboxes has been removed, and

when the Government rebuilds, it will be forced

to put up decent fireproof structures.” 30

Newspaper and magazine accounts reported many

citizens were equally relieved that the structures
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

31

Figure 2.1 Elevations of the first immigration building. Drawn by Daniel H. Buehler, Building Conservation

Technology, Inc., The Ehrenkrantz Group, 1978. (NPS Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center,

STLI 28001-0007.tif & 0008.tif)

Figure 2.2 The first immigration station on Ellis Island. The buildings from left to right are the tank and coal

house, boiler house, surgeon’s quarters, and main building. 1892. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP-37D-5)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

32

were gone, primarily because of the structures’

questionable aesthetic or architectural value.31

With the devastation on the island, the Bureau of

Immigration temporarily transferred operations to

the Barge Office, at the southeast corner of

Battery Park on lower Manhattan.32

The 1897 Landscape

The landscape underwent a dramatic

transformation during the short period between

1890 and 1897. Shifting the island’s primary land

use from a naval magazine and military post to a

bustling immigration station completely altered

the landscape. The removal of much of the

former military facility, the addition of seven new

structures, and the renovation of five existing

buildings changed the facility’s spatial

organization. Oriented on a north/south axis, the

new main building sat relatively close to the ferry

basin edge. Enclosed courtyard spaces separated

smaller structures east of the main building, with

additional open space extending to the shoreline.

The island’s 1897 landscape is illustrated in

Figure 2.3.

By 1897 the addition of cribwork and landfill

changed the topography of the island, increasing

its size from just under three and a third acres to

fourteen and one-fifth acres and raising the

elevation to approximately two feet above the

high-water mark. These changes necessitated a

need for new circulation patterns, with emphasis

on basic circulation routes between the docking

facilities and the buildings. Newly installed

walkways, including a boardwalk along the front

of the main building, connected the facilities and

directed the flow of immigrants from one

destination to another. Boats continued to

provide access to the island, landing at the ferry

slip at the north corner of the ferry basin. A

minor water circulation route was also established

to the coal wharf at the boiler house.

Upon completion of the immigration station in

1897, there were twelve major buildings on the

island. Five of these were preexisting and

remodeled for new uses. These included the

record storage office (former magazine, originally

built circa 1854-1886), restaurant and kitchen

building (former magazine, originally built circa

1844), detention building (former shell house

number two, originally built prior to 1813), insane

hospital (originally built circa 1854-1868), and

surgeon’s quarters (former gunners’ house,

originally built prior to 1886). Seven buildings

were newly constructed, including the main

building, disinfection house, two hospital

buildings, hospital office, boiler house, and tank

and coal house.33 Another significant structure on

the island was the wooden crib seawall

surrounding most of the island and the

breakwater.

The addition of landfill eliminated most extant

vegetation. Only a few large trees on the north of

the island, including one labeled the Gibbet Tree

on a historic map, were preserved from the

island’s earlier periods. Since the facilities were

complete for such a short time before their

destruction by fire, it is unlikely that any effort

was put into improving the landscape. There was

not adequate time to plan for the installation of

ornamental vegetation like trees, shrubs, and

flowers.

Views from the edges of Ellis Island to the

harbor and beyond remained consistent with

earlier periods. However, views within or across

the island were less expansive than they had been

previously. Although the new immigration

facilities actually contained fewer buildings than

had been present in 1890, the new structures were

generally larger in scale, thereby blocking more of

the views across the island.

Various contractors added small-scale features to

the landscape during the construction of the

facilities. Docks and wooden pilings lined the

ferry slip. A covered walkway and adjacent

baggage run connected the ferry landing to the

main building. Lighting illuminated the front of

the main building and scattered locations around

the island.34 A system of downspouts, water

pipes, and concrete cisterns collected fresh water

and three water hydrants near the hospital

buildings distributed it throughout the island.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

33

Endnotes for Chapter 2

1

 Thomas M. Pitkin, Keepers of the Gate: A History of

Ellis Island (New York: New York University Press,

1975), p. 9.

2

Ibid., p. 10.

3

Ibid.

4

Ibid., p. 11.

5 New York Times, February 14, 1890 (STLI Library, New

York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 1).

6 Keepers of the Gate: A History of Ellis Island, p. 13.

7 New York Times, February 6, 1890 (STLI Library, New

York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 1).

8 New York Times, March 1, 1890 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 1).

9

 Walter Hugins, Statue of Liberty National Monument; Its

Origin, Development and Administration (National Park

Service, 1958), pp. 18-19, as cited in Keepers of the Gate:

A History of Ellis Island, p. 12.

10 New York Times, March 19, 1890 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 1).

11 Ibid.

12 Keepers of the Gate: A History of Ellis Island, p. 12.

13 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data,

pp. 3-4, 9.

14 New York Tribune, May 25, 1890, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 10.

15 Archeological Resources, pp. 36-43.

16 New York World, August 3, 1890, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 11-13.

17 Archeological Resources, pp. 36-43.

18 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 10.

19 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data,

pp. 10-11.

20 Archeological Resources, p. 92.

21 Ibid., p. 36; Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p.

16.

22 Archeological Resources, pp. 36-43.

23 Ibid., p. 46; Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp.

13-16, 48.

24 Ralph Julian, “Landing the Immigrants,” Harper’s

Weekly, October 24, 1891, as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 18.

25 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data,

 pp. 4, 20.

26 Victor Safford, Immigration Problems: Personal

Experiences of an Official (New York, 1925), pp. 22-24, as

cited in Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 22.

27 It is unclear where this feature was located.

28 Archeological Resources, pp. 43-45, 93; Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 23.

29 Archeological Resources, p. 45; Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, pp. 4, 25-26. The fire also

destroyed some immigration records from 1855 to

1890, which may have included files transferred from

Castle Garden to Ellis Island circa 1889 and/or files

from Ellis Island itself. Keepers of the Gate: A History of

Ellis Island, p. 26.

30 New York Tribune, June 16, 1897, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 26.

31 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 26.

32 The Barge Office had served as a temporary

immigrant processing location previously. During

construction of the initial Ellis Island immigration

facilities, immigrant processing relocated from Castle

Garden because New York State commissioners

refused to allow the Department of the Treasury to

continue to use Castle Garden after the system of

state/federal immigrant processing ceased. The Barge

Office was located near Castle Garden, adjacent to the

Staten Island Ferry. Constructed for the Department

of the Treasury’s Customs Bureau in 1883 to accept

steamship cabin passengers, the building was relatively

unused by 1890. The location had served as a landing

spot for barges to and from Governors Island from

colonial times to the Civil War, hence the name “Barge

Office.” Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 26;

Keepers of the Gate: A History of Ellis Island, p. 13.

33 Ibid., pp. 23-24; Archeological Resources, pp. 39, 48.

34 No extant photographs or documentation of the

style of light has been discovered, but their locations

are noted on historic maps.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

34
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

35
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 2: First Immigration Station (1890 – 1897)

36
37

CHAPTER 3: SECOND IMMIGRATION

STATION – INITIAL CONSTRUCTION

(1897 – CIRCA 1907)

The decade from 1897 to 1907 was one of the

most significant time periods in the development

of the Ellis Island that exists today. It was during

these years the federal government constructed

the second immigration station and began

enlarging the island to accommodate the

increasing influx of immigrants. Supervised by

the Department of the Treasury, contractors

added landfill to the original island and created

two additional islands for facility enlargement.

They constructed eight masonry buildings, several

smaller wooden structures, and numerous smallscale features to support the immigration

operation. Rising immigration rates resulted in

increased wear on the facilities. Responding to

criticism of the conditions, Ellis Island’s

Commissioner of Immigration William Williams

pushed for continued improvements. He stressed

the importance of the station’s appearance as a

symbol of the United States to incoming aliens

and established the island’s aesthetic with his

desire to improve the landscape. By the end of

this era, a decade of work on the island increased

its size to just over twenty acres and established a

pattern of development that would be followed

for the next several decades.

Planning

Within three days after the fire, the Department

of the Treasury began preparations to rebuild the

immigration facilities on Ellis Island. On June 25,

John L. Smithmeyer, inspector of public buildings

for the U. S. Public Buildings Service, submitted a

preliminary plan to Secretary of the Treasury

Lyman J. Gage calling for enlargement of the

island by three acres and construction of three

brick and steel buildings – a main immigration

building, a hospital, and a kitchen and restaurant.

The estimated cost of these improvements was

$600,000. President William F. McKinley

approved the plan and Congress appropriated

funds for construction on July 19, 1897.1

In September 1897 the Department of the

Treasury initiated an architectural competition

with design guidelines issued by its supervising

architect. The American Institute of Architects

recommended several prominent architectural

firms to participate in the competition with the

approval of Secretary Gage. The firms included

Alfred E. Barlow; Boring and Tilton; Carrere and

Hastings; McKim, Mead and White; and Bruce

Price, all from New York City; and John L.

Smithmeyer of Washington, DC. Secretary Gage

appointed a commission to judge the competition,

including John K. Taylor, supervising architect; T.

P. Chandler, FAIA, of Philadelphia; and R. S.

Peabody, FAIA, of Boston.

By December the commission had reviewed all

entrants and chose Boring and Tilton as the firm

“who has best shown...the ability to grasp his

subject rather than the selection of a final plan.”

The firm was to participate in “further study in

conjunction with the authorities,” which would

likely “produce a very successful final result.” The

commission was further impressed that the

winning scheme did not consist of a building too

costly to construct, but included a facility “built

of simple materials” that would likely be

constructed “more cheaply than any of the

designs offered of similar size.”2

Boring and Tilton’s final plan included three

structures on the site of the original immigration

facilities – the main immigration building, “an

impressive French Renaissance-style structure,”

the kitchen and laundry building, and the

powerhouse. 3 Additionally, the plan called for

the creation of a new island south of the original

island, with a ferry slip in between the two. The

firm proposed a hospital building for this

location.

The firm also addressed the island’s landscape,

proposing “an ample ornamental landscape

designed in a Beaux Arts style of symmetrical
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

38

walks lined with allees of trees,” which would

underscore the importance of the immigration

facilities as a governmental institution and leave a

lasting impression on the newly arrived

immigrant.4 Public response to this proposal was

positive. Memories of the previous facilities,

often referred to as “architectural rubbish heaps,”

were still fresh in the public’s mind.5 Critics from

Harper’s Weekly praised the Boring and Tilton plan

for its addition of “much green space on the

island” and the creation of a facility that would

appear “comely to passing ships” (Figure 3.1).6

Island One

Main Immigration Building

In February 1898 the supervising architect

approved initial drawings for the new immigration

buildings, including a block plan for the island and

detailed plans for the hospital and main

immigration building. By mid-June Boring and

Tilton completed nearly all of the drawings, plans,

and specifications for the new Ellis Island

facilities.7

An article in the New York Times Magazine on

August 7, 1898, provided a detailed description of

the new building based on the architect’s plans

and a scale model that had been constructed.

The immigrant station on Ellis Island,

exclusive of hospital and powerhouse,

will be a palace 386 feet in length by

162 in width, with towers rising to the

height of 120 feet at their apexes of

gilded copper, and entrance arches 40

feet to the keystone. Owing to the

tides, the first floor will be eight feet

above the present level of the island;

so that on calm days the structure will

mirror itself in the smooth waters of

the bay. A sloping greensward will rise

from the top of the cribwork on the

water’s edge to the granite

foundations.

...the fact that the building stands

detached and encircled by water was

an advantage in some ways...it affords

some of the chances for effect

presented by the water court and

Figure 3.1 Boring and Tilton’s early design for the landscape of Ellis Island. October 1898. (NPS, Denver

Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 41962-0001.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

39

Figure 3.2 Construction of the main immigration building. Notice the wooden fence remaining

from the earlier building in the foreground. June 30, 1899. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP-37D-6)

canals at the World’s Fair in showing

off the buildings of the White City.

The architects seem to have had those

buildings in mind, at least so far as

proportions are concerned.

...the effect will be that the country

beckons the immigrant into the harbor

with the torch brandished by [the

Statue of] Liberty and then offers him

the largest and finest edifice in the

panorama for his landing place.8

Prior to construction of the main immigration

building, the Department of the Treasury

contracted with the firm of Holmes & Logan to

install a new six-inch water main from Jersey City,

New Jersey, to Ellis Island. The contractor

completed the installation in early November

1898, installing the line from Communipaw

Avenue and Phillips Street in Jersey City to the

existing boiler house on the island. The artesian

well, dug in 1892, had not worked as expected,

resulting in a constant problem with obtaining

fresh water for the island. Attempted solutions

included collecting rainwater in cisterns and later,

shipping nearly twenty thousand gallons of water

per day from Manhattan to be stored in tanks on

the island. The new water line was a much more

reliable alternative.9

On August 8, 1898, the Department of the

Treasury awarded the contract for construction of

the main immigration building to the R. H. Hood

Company of New York City, at an estimated cost

of $419,298. Construction on the building began

later in the year. The surgeon’s quarters, which

had survived the 1897 fire, functioned as a

temporary construction office (Figure 3.2).10

There were numerous delays in construction of

the building, caused by both contractor and

governmental actions. For example, the preferred

location for the new building overlapped part of

the foundations of the old main building. When

digging for the new foundations, the Hood

Company uncovered old cisterns and

underground utility corridors from both the naval

magazine and first immigration station, causing

unanticipated delays. To remedy the situation,

Boring and Tilton prepared specifications to fill

the cisterns and corridors so construction of the

new foundations could proceed.11
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

40

The new immigration station began operations on

December 17, 1900, with no official dedication or

opening ceremony, leaving the immigration staff

to move quietly from the Barge Office to the new

facilities. However, accounts of the opening were

published in local newspapers including a New

York Tribune article with Secretary Gage remarking

the main immigration building along “with its

companion buildings will form what the

Department of the Treasury set out to make it,

the model immigration station of the world.”12

The first immigrants processed on the island

included 654 Italian steerage passengers from the

Kaiser Wilhelm II, with a total of 2,251 immigrants

passing through the facilities on opening day.13

After the completion of the main immigration

building, the Department of the Treasury

contracted for alterations to the structure on a

fairly regular basis. In June 1901 Snare & Triest,

Inc., of New York City, constructed a glazed

porch and portico at the main entrance on the

building’s southwest facade. This structure

protected immigrants from the elements as they

proceeded from the ferry landing to the building.

The porch floor was cut granite and the copper

roof contained glass skylights (Figure 3.3).

Approximately six months later, Snare & Triest

installed a baggage conveyor adjacent to the

portico “in a chamber forming a cellar between

the dock and the main building.”14 The portico

and the conveyor were separated by a granite

coping with a railing on top and were both

completed by April 1, 1902. In 1904 a railroad

ticket office was added to the northeast side of

the building to accommodate the increasing

numbers of immigrants needing railway

transportation after processing.15

Additional Structures

Between 1901 and 1903, the addition of several

structures to the island completed the Boring and

Tilton design for the immigration station. On

May 4, 1900, a contract was let to Louis Wechsler

of New York City to construct the kitchen and

laundry building, powerhouse, and several

covered, connecting walkways. By April 1901

Wechsler had substantially completed work on the

kitchen and laundry building, however, the

powerhouse was not finished until November of

that year.16 By the end of 1901, contractor A. J.

Hemphill of New York City added coal hoisting

and delivering equipment to the dock on the

northeast side of the powerhouse (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.3 The main immigration building, with the glazed porch and portico, view from the south. Circa

1905. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG90-G-90-4)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

41

This equipment unloaded coal from the barges

and transferred it to the powerhouse.17 In January

1902 Benjamin Boulger of New York City

constructed a sixteen-feet wide by twenty-eight

feet long refuse incinerator on the northwest edge

of the island.18

The Department of the Treasury contracted for

the construction of several temporary wooden

structures to alleviate overcrowding, created by

the increase in immigration and the numbers of

detainees and visitors on the island. Sometime

after 1901, the bakery and the carpentry shop

were constructed northwest of the kitchen and

laundry building. A waiting room for immigrants

destined for New York was constructed on the

north side of the connecting corridor between the

kitchen and laundry building and the main

immigration building. A waiting room for

immigrants’ friends was built on the west side of

the covered walkway between the ferry house and

the kitchen and laundry building. The fenced yard

north of the waiting room contained a small privy

on the nearby seawall (Figure 3.5). A single-story

barracks with seven hundred beds on the

northeast side of the main immigration building

became the largest temporary structure built on

the island upon its completion in 1903.19

Figure 3.4 Construction drawing of the coal hoisting

apparatus installed near the powerhouse in 1901.

(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information

Center, STLI 43960-0006.tif)

Figure 3.5 The waiting

room for immigrants’

friends included a small

yard enclosed with a

wooden fence and a

privy on the seawall.

The privy is shown in

the right foreground.

June 30, 1901. (National

Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-

BCP-37D-3)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

42

Island Two

Creation of Island Two

In order to complete the plan envisioned by

Boring and Tilton, Ellis Island had to be enlarged

with the construction of an additional island

(Island Two) to the south and west of the existing

island (Island One). Since the War Department

maintained jurisdiction over the waters

surrounding Ellis Island at this time, Secretary

Gage submitted plans for the proposed creation

of Island Two to the Secretary of War for

approval. The proposal was to extend the existing

island “one hundred and sixty feet (160’) on the

Southwest side of the breakwater – i.e. sixty-eight

feet (68’) from the West and eighty-five feet (85’)

from the South corner of original line of square

800 to 800 Boundary 1890, retained – running

eight hundred feet (800’) from the West to the

South.”20 By late August 1897, the Secretary of

War approved Gage’s plan and Alfred Brooks Fry,

Chief Engineer and Superintendent of Repairs

for the U. S. Public Buildings Service, began

preparing construction documents for the new

bulkheads and landfill. The final dimensions of

Island Two were enlarged slightly from the

original proposal, with approval of the Secretary

of War (Figure 3.6).

In January 1898 contractor Warren Rosevelt began

construction on the new crib work and bulkheads,

dredging, and deposition of fill. Fry described the

fill for Island Two (and later Island Three) as

“earth and stone – no soft mud, garbage, ashes, or

other matter unsuited to give solid body.”21 In

addition, Rosevelt used some of the rubble

remaining on the main island from the fire,

particularly building walls that had not been

removed with other debris, in “crib-work, ballast,

or filling, in the enlargement of the island.”22 A

major problem occurred when the new fill on the

southwest side of Island Two began to exert

pressure on the existing crib along the northeast

side of the ferry basin, causing the crib to bulge

toward the basin. There were no funds to

reconstruct the old crib, so some of the fill along

the northeast side of Island Two was left out and

the fill that was put in place was sloped toward the

foot of the crib. The remainder of the island was

graded to the same general elevation as Island

One. The completion of Island Two in

December 1898 added three and one-third acres

of landfill to the site, increasing the Ellis Island’s

total size to approximately fifteen and one-half

acres.23

Figure 3.6 Layout for the additional cribwork and landfill to create Island Two. August 26, 1897.

(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43961a-0001.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

43

Island Two Structures

In early February 1898, the Department of the

Treasury approved initial plans for the main

hospital building on Island Two and work began

on installing the pilings. However, construction

was soon suspended due to a funding delay by

Congress. Complete funding was not acquired

until March 1899 when Congress appropriated

$150,000 for the main hospital building, $9,500

for the surgeon’s house, and $33,340 for the

hospital outbuilding. Boring and Tilton developed

plans for the main hospital building, while the

office of the supervising architect designed the

surgeon’s house and hospital outbuilding. The

plans specified the use of piers on the ground and

the avoidance of pilings. A small pump house

was also included. After initial bids for the main

hospital building came in over budget, Boring and

Tilton redesigned the structure for cost savings,

and Daniel A. Garber of New York City was

awarded the contract on February 20, 1900.

Garber finished the contract in April 1901, but

only after much conflict between Garber and the

authorities, culminating in the contractor having

to address a number of construction inadequacies

(Figure 3.7).24

On September 5, 1900, the Department of the

Treasury awarded a contract for the construction

of the surgeon’s house and hospital outbuilding

on Island Two, both two-story brick structures, to

Figure 3.7 The main hospital building on Island Two, viewed from the south side. Circa 1903.

(William Williams Collection, Photography Collection, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 3.8 The surgeon’s house on Island Two, with

the main hospital building in the left background. June

30, 1901. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP-37D-1)

Attilio Pasquini of New York City. As with the

main hospital building, initial bids for the projects

came in over budget, and the office of the

supervising architect altered the designs with costsaving changes. The hospital outbuilding included

a laundry, linen room, and autopsy room. The

surgeon’s house was designed and constructed

with a basement; a parlor, kitchen, pantry, dining

room, library, and hall on the first floor; and five

bedrooms, hall, and bath on the second floor.

Pasquini proceeded with construction, and after

numerous minor change-orders, completed both

buildings by late November 1901 (Figure 3.8).25
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

44

The main hospital building accommodated one

hundred twenty-five patients along with office and

staff space. However, due to the budget

constraints and redesign of the original plan, the

completed building was not adequate to meet the

needs of the immigration facility. According to

Terence V. Powderly, United States

Commissioner-General of Immigration at the

time, “The new immigrant hospital on Ellis

Island...will not afford sufficient ward space for

the service. Another pavilion is necessary for the

accommodation of the patients, exclusive of

those suffering from acute contagious diseases

and cared for in the hospitals of the city health

department under annual contract.” 26 Powderly

also suggested adding more space for officers’

quarters, since the rooms allocated for this use in

the new building would have to be used for wards.

To alleviate some of the overcrowding, the

Bureau of Immigration proposed an addition on

the southeast end of the building. In October

1905 the Northeastern Construction Company of

New York City began construction on the new

facility, completing the hospital addition by

February 1907. The new space brought the total

number of beds to two hundred fifty; however,

the facility was still consistently overcrowded due

to high immigration levels.27

Along with regular hospital patients, there was

also an increase in the number of “insane aliens”

requiring housing prior to deportation. This led

to the construction of the psychopathic ward

between the main hospital building and the

hospital outbuilding on Island Two. William F.

Holding of New York City completed the facility

in November 1907. The two-story brick structure

could house about twenty-five patients, and

contained a small enclosed porch on the south

side of the building (Figure 3.9).28

Other structures built in conjunction with the

hospital on Island Two included a ferry house at

the northeast end of the ferry basin and a covered

walkway connecting the ferry house with the

hospital buildings. These two items were covered

under Pasquini’s contract for the hospital

outbuilding and surgeon’s house and the firm

Figure 3.9 This undated photo, labeled “The porch,

men’s psycho ward” was probably taken on Island Two.

It is not clear which building is actually in the photo,

but this type of enclosed porch was typical of Island

Two structures. The structure in the background may

be a building originally constructed to house

psychopathic patients. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG90-G-125-53[3])

completed them in October 1901. The

construction included a new ferry slip, centered in

the ferry basin directly in front of the ferry house.

In 1905 the ferry house was widened, possibly as a

result of the increase in immigration during this

period.29

Landscape Improvements Under

Commissioner Williams

After the completion of the main immigration

building and other principle structures on both

islands, Boring and Tilton developed a revised

master plan for the landscape (Figure 3.10). A

series of formally designed walks and open spaces

enhanced the existing buildings. The plan was

similar in style to the architects’ initial design, but

contained a more intricate circulation pattern with

connecting passageways between the two islands

and incorporated changes to the buildings’

footprints and placement that had occurred

during construction. However, the immediate
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

45

need to enlarge the facilities due to increasing

immigration and the inevitable funding shortfalls

left landscape improvements far down the list of

priorities. The main immigration building and

other structures received generally favorable

reviews for their architectural qualities by the

public, but the lack of an aesthetically pleasing

landscape was a blight on the facility. Criticism

appearing in the local press called the island a

“treeless strip of land” with some “grayishlooking buildings” – not exactly the most

flattering description for the nation’s premier

immigration station.30 Despite this criticism, the

Figure 3.10 Boring and Tilton’s revised design for the landscape. Circa 1902. (NPS Denver Service Center,

Technical Information Center, STLI 43968-0006.tif)

Department of the Treasury failed to implement

the Boring and Tilton design for the landscape.

With the arrival of Commissioner of Immigration

William Williams in 1902, the barren island

landscape received much-needed attention.31

Williams was determined to improve the facilities

and establish a more prestigious setting on the

island. He soon implemented many changes. It is

not known if Williams actually designed plans for

the landscape, but it is likely he used the Boring

and Tilton design as a reference. Although the

Williams landscape did not strictly follow the
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

46

formalized structure of the earlier design, it was a

similar approach both “ceremonial and decorative

in its concept.”32 Williams established an orderly

combination of lawns and walkways laid out in a

rectilinear pattern to complement the buildings.

In comparison to the Boring and Tilton design,

total paved area specified by Williams decreased

and there was less overall ornamentation in the

design.

Landscape improvements began with the removal

of construction debris and the addition of

approximately seven thousand cubic yards of

loam. Work crews graded the island and planted

lawns.33 They installed scored concrete walks in

front of the main immigration building and the

kitchen and laundry building, extending along the

southwest side of the main immigration building

and connecting with rear doors. They added

concrete around the powerhouse, the main

hospital building, and the existing flagstaff, and

installed a wider boardwalk along the edge of the

ferry basin. They constructed small post and wire

fences around the blocks of lawn in front of the

main immigration building, placed benches under

the portico and south of the main immigration

building, and added ornamental light fixtures

along the boardwalk. Gardeners added greenery

and color to the island by planting Ligustrum

hedges and filling beds and containers with

flowers (Figures 3.11 – 3.14).34

The design as it was implemented enhanced the

island and established an appropriate setting for

the buildings. However, the purpose of the

station was to move people through as quickly as

possible and it is unlikely immigrants were able to

enjoy much of the landscape beyond the area

immediately around the main immigration

building. They saw little of the island other than

what was visible from the ferry basin or the entry

plaza, as they were moved quickly from the ferry

slip either to the plaza or directly into the building

itself and then on to the ferries for New York or

the trains for New Jersey and beyond. The

immigrants did not regularly use other parts of

the landscape for casual relaxation or recreation.

The “neat clipped hedges and lawns, without trees

for shade and few benches for sitting” created a

Figure 3.11 Immediately after the completion of the

main immigration building, development of the

grounds on Island One was not a high priority. When

Commissioner Williams began his emphasis on

improving the landscape, much of the island was in a

condition similar to what is shown in this circa 1900

photo. (William Williams Papers, Manuscripts and

Archives Division, The New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)

setting for the island that emphasized “efficiency

and official business rather than a human scale

place to linger.”35

The drastic change in the appearance of the island

under Williams’s direction was described in a July

12, 1903, New York Times article:

Ellis Island, which a year ago, was with

the exception of the imposing

Government structures occupied by

the Immigration Bureau, about the

dreariest looking spot in the harbor of

New York, has undergone a great

change in appearance since William

Williams became Commissioner.

When Mr. Fitchie relinquished the

Commissionership there was not a

flower or a bush of any kind on the

island, and the walks were not graded.

To-day [sic] all is changed. The island

has been divided into neat squares and

crescents, in which grow blue grass,

and around which a hedging of

California privet is rapidly assuming

substantial dimensions. Then again in

the squares and crescents geraniums,

nasturtiums, palms, pansies, and ferns,

arranged in neat figures, have been
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

47

Figure 3.14 These Ligustrum

hedges and lawn in front of

the main immigration

building and the kitchen and

laundry building show two

years of growth. Circa 1905.

(William Williams Collection,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 3.13 In 1903

landscape features on the

southeast end of Island One

included a small flower bed,

benches, flagstaff, and ornate

lamp posts. (William

Williams Collection,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 3.12 Post and wire

fences and newly planted

hedges surround the lawn in

front of the main

immigration building. Circa

1903. (William Williams

Collection, Photography

Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art,

Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

48

planted, and as they are beginning to

bloom, the front of the island as seen

from passing ferryboats and other

craft makes a very pleasing sight, and

one that is sure to cause comment by

people who are familiar with the way

the place looked before the Williams

era.

Then again, on either side of the main

entrances to the various buildings big

iron vases of granite have been placed,

and palms and various flowers planted

in them. But the great attraction is the

beautiful entrance [of the main

immigration building] from the barge

landing. This entrance is constructed

entirely of iron, the pillars being fancy

in shape, while the roof is of glass.

Within this arcade, which extends

almost clear to the waterfront, have

been placed a lot of neat park benches

for the use of visitors, where, seated in

the shade, and where they are almost

sure to get the benefit at any time of

the day of a good sea breeze, the view

of the city beyond and the harbor is

an ideal one. The whole island is as a

result of Mr. Williams’s energy now

what may be appropriately termed a

well-regulated and unusually prettily

decorated park.36

As Commissioner Williams continued to pursue

funding for maintenance and improvements to the

island, his ideas about the landscape began to

change slightly. 37 A rise in immigration resulted in

an increase in the number of detainees. The

administration realized a need to provide an

opportunity for outdoor recreation and relaxation

as an alternative to indoor confinement. To

accommodate this, Williams approved the

addition of a roof garden with a retractable

canvas awning on the southern wing of the main

immigration building.38 Additionally, the staff

encouraged immigrants to linger in the outdoor

areas adjacent to the main immigration building

while waiting to be processed.

Implementation of these small changes was

apparently successful and well-received by the

immigrant detainees. Commissioner Williams’s

1904 report mentioned that during warm weather

the detainees were “out of doors as much as

possible, a portion of them on the westerly roof

garden fitted with awnings and benches, and

another portion on the broad granolithic sidewalk

on the northerly side of the building where they

can move about in the shade.” This commitment

to provide outdoor recreation space for detainees

was reinforced later in the year when “at the

Commissioner-General’s [of Immigration for the

United States] suggestion special provision [was]

made for the amusement of detained children by

converting a portion of the roof garden into a

playground, where they may enjoy fresh air and

various kinds of amusements” (Figure 3.15).39

Island Three

When the hospital on Island Two was

constructed, consideration was not given to

housing patients with contagious diseases. Since

the 1890s, these patients had been sent to

hospitals in the area under a contract with the

New York City Health Department. In June 1902

surgeon George W. Stoner, who was in charge of

the medical division on Ellis Island, voiced the

need for a contagious-disease hospital to

complement the existing hospital. In September

of that year, the issue became more urgent when

the New York City Health Department decided to

terminate its contract for receiving immigrants

with contagious disease. As a result, the

Department of the Treasury soon implemented

plans to construct a third island southwest of

Island Two and add the needed facilities.40

According to Commissioner Williams, the

addition of the new island and hospital was “a

matter of the greatest urgency, for we sometimes

have 400 and even 500 sick people to care for, and

as we know that the city hospitals are

overcrowded, we do not like to ask them to take

the non-quarantinable [sic] contagious cases; a

great many of these patients are eventually

deported.”41 Other reports said that in one year

“over fifteen hundred children had come in at the

station afflicted with Scarlet Fever and Measles,

and that many of these diseases had been

contracted on the trip...two hundred and five had
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

49

died on the passage...[many] on account of the

insanitary [sic] conditions of these steamships.”42

In 1903 Congress appropriated $150,500 for

construction of Island Three but did not

immediately provide funds for construction of the

hospital itself. The federal government also began

negotiations with New Jersey to purchase

submerged lands around Ellis Island, including an

area approximately four hundred to five hundred

feet south of Island Two for the construction of

Island Three. New Jersey challenged the

government’s legal rights to the existing Ellis

Island, but on November 30, 1904, the case was

settled. New Jersey executed a deed to the federal

government “granting all the right, title and

interest of the State of New Jersey in and to land

under water surrounding Ellis Island” for the sum

of $1,000. The deed recorded the United States

as the owner of Ellis Island and stipulated, “The

United States of America does not waive any

rights or privileges which it would possess had not

the [deed] been accepted, and that no rights of

the grantee [New Jersey] of any kind whatsoever

shall be prejudiced by such acceptance.”43

Alfred Brooks Fry developed specifications for

construction of the new island approximately

eight hundred feet from Island Two. The

Figure 3.15 Immigrant children enjoy the roof garden playground on the main immigration building. Circa 1906.

(William Williams Papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and

Tilden Foundations)

Department of the Treasury had previously

acquired permission from the War Department to

construct the new island within five hundred feet

of Ellis Island, and it was feared that to gain

approval for the proposed eight hundred feet

distance would delay the project. Commissioner

Williams sought the advice of the Surgeon

General to determine an appropriate distance

from Island Two and how best to lay out the

facilities to minimize contamination between

patients on Island Two and contagious-disease

patients on Island Three. In response, the

Surgeon General indicated that an island “with an

outside limit of 410 feet from the present island

and with 200 feet of clear water space between

the two islands, would be amply sufficient to

insure freedom from danger of contagion

according to modern ideas of hospital

construction.”44 Also, contemporary opinion

indicated that a single building was less desirable

than a series of several small pavilions, where

various diseases could be treated in isolation from

other wards.45

In April 1905 the Department of Commerce and

Labor let to New Jersey Dock and Bridge

Company for construction of the island.46 The

contractor laid boundaries for the construction of

an island eight hundred feet in length by two
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

50

Figure 3.16 Layout plan

for the creation of Island

Three. July 2, 1903. (NPS

Denver Service Center,

Technical Information

Center, STLI 43961a0003.tif)

Figure 3.17 Construction details for

cribwork used to create Island Three.

July 2, 1903. (NPS Denver Service

Center, Technical Information Center,

STLI 43961a-0002.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

51

Figure 3.18 Construction details for the gangway

connecting Islands Two and Three. August 1903.

(NPS Denver Service Center, Technical Information

Center, STLI 43961a-0006.tif)

hundred fifty feet in width with two hundred feet

of open water between it and Island Two. The

company dredged a fifteen-feet-deep by thirtyfeet-wide trench and filled it with more than 1.2

million cubic feet of cribwork and stones. The

island was formed by filling behind the cribwork

with approximately sixty thousand cubic yards of

dredged material including “cellar dirt, stones, clay,

old masonry, etc.,” and seventy thousand cubic

yards of earth and “a very excellent grade of sand

obtained by dredging” near the island.47 New

Jersey Dock and Bridge completed Island Three in

early 1906 and connected it to Island Two with a

fifty-foot-long wooden gangway. The four and

three-quarters acre island increased Ellis Island’s

total acreage to approximately twenty and onequarter acres (Figures 3.16 – 3.18).

The Circa 1907 Landscape

Between the initial planning and construction of

the second immigration station circa 1897 and the

completion of Island Three in 1906, the landscape

underwent significant change. The Department

of the Treasury oversaw the completion of an

entirely new immigration station, increasing the

number of immigrants who used the landscape,

and the island’s total acreage increased to just over

twenty acres with the additions of Islands Two

and Three. This period was likely the most

significant and eventful in the frequency and

significance of change to the landscape. Figure

3.21 illustrates the island’s circa 1907 landscape.

Construction of the new immigration facilities

altered the island’s spatial organization. Structures

on the first immigration station were all clustered

on one island, aligned on a north/south axis, and

included a large central building with numerous

small structures separated by enclosed courtyard

spaces. Although the second immigration station

facilities maintained the same general north/south

orientation, they occupied two islands, enclosing

the ferry basin on three sides. There were fewer,

generally larger, buildings, leaving less opportunity

for intimate courtyards but providing more open

space extending to the shore. The new main

immigration building sat farther back from the

water’s edge, establishing an added sense of

presence and defining a more formal entry

sequence into the new immigration station.

The primary land use remained the same with the

institutional processing of immigrants. The

completion of the surgeon’s house and hospital

addition on Island Two brought a limited amount

of residential use for employees of the station.

Some alterations to Ellis Island’s topography

occurred during this period. The addition of

landfill to Island One and the creation of Islands

Two and Three increased the total size of the

island and altered the topography of the existing

harbor floor where the landfill was added. The

completed additions conformed to the same

general elevation above sea level and level

landform previously established on Island One.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

52

Circulation patterns changed with the

construction of new buildings and walkways.

Boardwalks continued to be used along the ferry

basin edge and new concrete walks were added to

the island. The placement of walks served to

direct immigrants on their primary route from the

ferry landing, through the ferry house, and into

the primary buildings on Island One. Formal

walks were not yet established on Island Two or

Three, although a concrete apron surrounded the

main hospital building and a wooden gangway

connected these two islands. The most significant

change was the construction of the first segments

of the covered walkway system on Islands One

and Two. This feature would eventually be

expanded to connect major buildings on all three

islands. The placement of the new ferry slip in the

center of the ferry basin, rather than at the north

corner, altered boat traffic slightly. Barge traffic

continued its established route to the coal wharf

at the powerhouse.

By circa 1907 there were eight masonry buildings

constructed on Islands One and Two – the main

immigration building (1900), kitchen and laundry

building (1901), powerhouse (1901), main hospital

building (1901), hospital outbuilding (1901),

surgeon’s house (1901), hospital addition (1907),

and psychopathic ward (1907). There were five

significant wooden structures – the ferry house

(1901), immigrants’ waiting room (circa 1901),

carpentry shop (circa 1901), bakery (circa 1901),

and temporary barracks (1903). Other extant

structures included a coal hoist at the powerhouse

(1901), privy, immigrants’ friends waiting room

(circa 1901), covered walkways, pump house

(1901), two floating docks, new ferry slip in the

ferry basin (1901), and incinerator (1902). A

wooden crib seawall surrounded most of the

island.

The only vegetation remaining on the island from

earlier periods was a tree, or group of trees, on

the northeast corner of the main immigration

building, and identified as Gibbet Tree on historic

maps. New vegetation included rectangular lawns

in front of the main immigration building, lawns

in other open space areas on Islands One and

Two, and Ligustrum hedges around the lawn

panels. No new trees were added. Other

ornamental plantings included two annual flower

beds on Island One, some flowers and plants in

pots and boxes near the entry portico and on roof

decks, and ivy (possibly Hedera helix) covering the

facades of several of the primary buildings

(Figures 3.19 - 3.20).

The addition of numerous large-scale structures

changed views and vistas within the island from

earlier periods, but the views from the island’s

edges across the harbor to Manhattan, the Statue

of Liberty, and other sites remained relatively

unchanged. The construction of the main

immigration building further from the edge of the

ferry basin enhanced the view of the island’s

primary building from arriving vessels. The

forecourt created by the lawns and walks in front

of the building gave the facility an increased sense

Figure 3.19 Aesthetic improvements to the island

included flower boxes on the rooftop deck of the main

immigration building, as shown on the railing behind

this immigrant. Circa 1906. (William Williams Papers,

Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

53

of importance. Views from the main immigration

building were slightly different from views

observed from the original main building. The

removal of structures on the eastern side of

Island One opened up views toward Manhattan,

and the construction of the ferry house and

hospital buildings on Island Two blocked some of

the previously open views toward New Jersey.

The addition of various small-scale features also

enhanced the island. Circa 1902 Bishop’s-crook

lamp posts lined the boardwalk on Island One

and at least one was located on Island Two, west

of the main hospital building. Fencing,

constructed of wooden posts and twisted wire,

surrounded all newly planted hedges and most

lawn areas. Gates provided access to each of the

lawn panels in front of the main immigration

building. Ornamental features included benches,

planters, and flower beds, while other, more

utilitarian features included a fog bell and flagstaff

on the southern end of Island One and several

fire hydrants on Islands One and Two, likely

dating to a circa 1903 fire protection project.

Figure 3.20 One of the

flower beds on Island One

was this star-shaped bed,

adjacent to the boardwalk at

the northern end of the ferry

basin. It was planted with a

variety of annual flowers. A

wooden post and twisted wire

fence surrounded the lawn

and bed, like the fencing used

around the lawn panels in

front of the main

immigration building. Circa

1906. (William Williams

Papers, Manuscripts and

Archives Division, The New

York Public Library, Astor,

Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)

Endnotes for Chapter 3

1 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 27-28.

2

 Peabody, Chandler, and Taylor to Secretary of the

Treasury, December 7, 1897, and Taylor to Boring and

Tilton, December 8, 1897 (Washington National

Records Center, Record Group 121, Records of the

Public Buildings Service), as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 35; New York Times, December

8, 1897, as cited in Historic Structure Report...Historical

Data, p. 35.

3 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 4.

4

 Beyer Blinder Belle/Anderson Notter Finegold, Ellis

Island, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Historic

Structure Report, The Main Building, Volume 1 (United

States Department of the Interior, National Park

Service), 1984, p. 50.

5 Harper’s Weekly, February 26, 1898, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 39.

6

Ibid.

7 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 37, 42.

8 New York Times Magazine, August 7, 1898, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 46-47.

9

 This water line was later relocated to the new

powerhouse constructed in the same vicinity in 1901.

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 48-49.

10 Ibid., p. 45; Archeological Resources, p. 54.

11 Ibid., p. 53; Ibid., p. 54.

12 New York Tribune, December 17, 1900, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 99.

13 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 4, 98-99.

14 Ibid., p. 117.

15 It is not clear from the documentation who

constructed this addition. Ibid., p. 133.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 3: Second Immigration Station – Initial Construction (1897 – Circa 1907)

54

Report...Historical Data, pp. 128, 442; Historic Structure

Report, The Main Building, pp. 50, 53-55;

Archeological Resources, p. 95; Memorandum for the

Commissioner, September 21, 1903 (New York Public

Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts, William

Williams Collection).

35 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 53-55,

68.

36 “Ellis Island Improved: Commissioner Williams’s

Pleasing Landscape Gardening,” New York Times, July

12, 1903 (New York Public Library, Rare Books and

Manuscripts, William Williams Collection), as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 129.

37 Annual Report, Office of the Commissioner of

Immigration, New York, NY, August 4, 1903 (New

York Public Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Collection, William Williams Papers).

38 A roof garden had been included in the original

Boring and Tilton design, but it was not implemented

upon construction of the building. Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 129; Historic Structure Report,

The Main Building, p. 70.

39 “Report of the Commissioner of Ellis Island,

September 15, 1904”, Reports of the Department of

Commerce and Labor, 1904, p. 834, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 132.

40 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 503.

41 New York Times, December 18, 1904 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 2).

42 Excerpt from a speech by U. S. House

Representative Hon. John L. Burnett, June 19, 1912, as

cited in John F. Mann, “Comedies and Tragedies at

Ellis Island,” unpublished manuscript, 1912 (National

Archives, Record Group 85, Entry 9, Box 205, File

53371-74).

43 “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status,” p. 6.

44 Wyman to Commissioner-General of Immigration,

November 26, 1902, and White, Pettus, Vaughan,

Geddings, and Rosenau to Surgeon-General,

November 6, 1902 (National Archives, Washington,

DC, Record Group 85, Records of the Bureau of

Immigration and Naturalization, 1906-1932), as cited

in Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 507.

45 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 504, 507.

46 In 1903 the Bureau of Immigration was moved to

the Department of Commerce and Labor from the

Department of the Treasury. See Introduction,

endnote 2. Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp.

468, 508-510.

47 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 504, 513;

Archeological Resources, pp. 94-95.

16 Ibid., pp. 4, 224-226.

17 Ibid., pp. 315-318.

18 Ibid., p. 582; Archeological Resources, p. 57.

19 The bakery and carpentry shop were later replaced

with one masonry structure. The immigrants’ friends

waiting room was razed when this building was added.

In 1907, when the baggage and dormitory building

was under construction, the temporary barracks were

relocated to the southeast side of the main

immigration building. Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 365; Archeological Resources, pp.

58-59.

20 Secretary Gage to Secretary of War, August 5, 1897

(Washington National Records Center, Record Group

121, Records of the Public Buildings Service), as cited

in Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 30.

21 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 35-36;

Archeological Resources, pp. 54, 94.

22 Kemper to Fry, September 28, 1897 (Washington

National Records Center, Record Group 121, Records

of the Public Buildings Service), as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 31.

23

 Archeological Resources, p. 54.

24 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 417-423.

25 Ibid., p. 430.

26 Annual Report, Commissioner-General of Immigration,

Fiscal Year 1901, pp. 38, 40, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 425.

27 The addition was later called the administration

building; Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp.

442-446.

28 Ibid., pp. 446-448.

29 There is no documentation for who widened the

ferry house. Ibid., pp. 573-575.

30 Outlook, October 4, 1902, as cited in Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 107.

31 Williams started his first term as Commissioner of

Immigration under President Theodore Roosevelt’s

administration in 1902, serving until 1905. He later

served four years under the Taft and Wilson

administrations. Williams resigned on May 6, 1913,

but remained in his position until June 30, 1913 at the

request of the president. New York Times, June 5, 1913

(STLI Library, New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol.

3).

32 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 53.

33 It is not known if this work was contracted out or

performed by Bureau of Immigration staff.

34 U. S. Congress, House, Committee on

Appropriations, “Improvements at Ellis Island Station,

H. Doc. 625,” 57th Congress, 1st session, May 23,

1902, pp. 1-3, as cited in Historic Structure
55

57

CHAPTER 4: SECOND IMMIGRATION

STATION – FACILITY GROWTH

(CIRCA 1907 – CIRCA 1920)

During the period from circa 1907 to circa 1920, a

general increase in immigration and other activity

on the island led to continued expansion of the

Ellis Island facilities. Construction of several

buildings occurred, existing structures received

continued maintenance and renovation, and

landscape changes accommodated more people

on the island. During the early part of this era,

the ornamental landscape remained consistent in

its appearance and condition, reflecting the

improvements made under Commissioner

Williams during 1902 and 1903. The landscape

evolved with the approach of the 1920s and the

ensuing changes to the station’s use during and

immediately after World War I. Throughout these

years the overall size of the island increased only

slightly with the addition of landfill on Island One

created by the construction of a new seawall.

Island One

Baggage and Dormitory Building

As early as 1902 immigration officials noted the

inadequacy of the facilities for receiving,

inspecting, and housing immigrants. The steady

rise in immigration to the United States brought

increasing numbers of immigrants to the island.

The temporary wooden barracks installed on

Island One initially alleviated some of the

overcrowding of those who were detained

overnight. The addition of this structure

increased the island’s sleeping capacity to eighteen

hundred, but there was soon a need to house up

to three thousand persons per night. Additionally,

space for handling and storing the baggage

accompanying the immigrants was limited.

After several years of funding requests, the station

received a congressional appropriation of

$400,000 in 1907 for an addition to the main

immigration building. However, Commissioner

of Immigration Robert Watchorn used the funds

for construction of a separate baggage and

dormitory building instead, arguing additions to

the main immigration building would not

adequately address the space requirements. The

U. S. Public Buildings Service supervising architect

developed plans for the two-story brick building,

including a rooftop deck and pergola to provide

outdoor space for detained immigrants. Officials

from the Department of Commerce and Labor let

a contract to the New York State Construction

Company in January 1908, and construction on

the building began in March of that year. The

company sited the building near the northeast

corner of the main immigration building,

proceeded with construction, and completed the

facility by February 1909 (Figure 4.1).1

Within a year of completion, the Bureau of

Immigration and Naturalization proposed

alterations and additions to improve the building’s

usefulness. By 1910 the courtyard between the

structure and the main immigration building had a

concrete surface, providing additional outdoor

space for immigrants. The most significant

alteration was the construction of a third story in

1914. This addition increased the amount of

dormitory space and baggage storage. Although

the existing roof deck and pergola were removed,

the third-floor addition incorporated “open-air

porches,” providing new outdoor space on the

roof for detainees’ use.2

Greenhouse

In September 1910 island employees erected a

greenhouse on the northeast side of the main

immigration building. The gardener requested

this facility to “decrease the amount of the annual

flower bill by providing space for keeping flowers

during the winter.” 3 The forty-foot-long

structure was finished by early November,

constructed entirely of materials recycled from

other buildings on the island, and cost

approximately $250. This addition was an

essential element in maintaining the island’s

ornamental landscape. According to the

Commissioner’s 1913 Annual Report,

Continued effort has been made to

add to the attractive appearance of
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

58

the grounds by setting out additional

privet hedges and hardy plants. A

small greenhouse has been erected

by our own mechanics from old

material, so that the Government is

now able to propagate nearly all of

the flowering plants needed for

beds....4 (Figure 4.2)

There were several of these beds scattered

throughout the island, some dating to the initial

1902-1903 landscape improvements and others

installed at later dates. Gardeners planted flowers

and shrub roses along the entry path to the

greenhouse, along with several climbing roses on

five freestanding trellises. They used shrub roses

between the baggage and dormitory building and

the greenhouse in a small semicircular bed. They

filled the existing star-shaped flower bed near the

ferry house with begonias and protected the bed

with a border of small wire hoops. Workers also

installed a small pool, fountain, and flower bed in

the lawn between the baggage and dormitory

building and the powerhouse. Other ornamental

vegetation present during this period included

vines on the exterior walls of the kitchen and

laundry building and the adjacent covered

walkway, and numerous flower boxes and planters

at several island locations (Figures 4.3 – 4.8).5

Additions and Renovations

Immigration officials continued to make

recommendations for renovations to the extant

Figure 4.1 This elevation of

the baggage and dormitory

building shows details of the

rooftop deck and pergola.

The addition of these features

provided opportunities for

immigrant detainees to escape

the confines of the

institutional buildings and

spend some time outdoors.

Circa 1907. (NPS, Denver

Service Center, Technical

Information Center, STLI

41902a-0005.tif)

buildings on Island One to accommodate

changing needs and improve the facilities.

Upgrades to the main immigration building

included a 1908 dormitory addition, a 1910 thirdstory addition on the north wing for

administrative use and day quarters for detainees,

and a third-story addition on the south wing

between 1913 and 1915 for medical inspection

facilities.6 This addition necessitated the removal

of the rooftop garden, encouraging officials to

allow immigrants increased access to the

landscape around the buildings for recreation. In

1908 contractor George Sykes of New York City

added a one-thousand-seat dining room to the

kitchen and laundry building on the renovated

upper floor.

Several additional structures were added to the

island during this period. By March 1910 the

existing incinerator was in “imminent danger of

collapse” and Commissioner Williams requested

$15,000 for the construction of a new facility.7

Congress approved the appropriation and the

Morse-Boulger Destructor Company constructed

a new incinerator on a concrete platform outside

the seawall adjacent to the former incinerator

location. The company completed the structure

by November 1911.8 The landscape contained

four privies at various sites by 1913. Island One

locations included the dock east of the baggage

and dormitory building behind the greenhouse,

the bulkhead on the western side of the bakery
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

59

Figure 4.2 This circa 1913

view of the greenhouse

shows the adjacent rose and

shrub beds and trellises over

the path. The rooftop

pergola is visible on the

nearby baggage and

dormitory building. (William

Williams Collection, #28879,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 4.3 By 1915 mature

climbing roses covered the

trellises along the path to the

greenhouse. (William

Williams Papers, Manuscripts

and Archives Division, The

New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)

Figure 4.4 In 1913 the starshaped flower bed adjacent to

the boardwalk at the northern

end of the ferry basin

continued to be used for

annual plantings. A small

wire hoop fence separated

the lawn from the walks,

replacing the earlier post and

twisted-wire fencing, and

ornamental vines climbed the

adjacent walls. (William

Williams Collection, #28878,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

60

Figure 4.7 Commissioner

Williams had this ornamental

pond and fountain installed

southeast of the powerhouse.

It is not clear how long this

feature remained in the

landscape. Circa 1913.

(William Williams Collection,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 4.6 In 1913 this small

flower bed on the northwest

corner of the ferry basin on

Island Two contained

ornamental summer bulbs.

(William Williams Collection,

#28880, Photography

Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art,

Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)

Figure 4.5 Ornamental

vines, shrubs, and window

boxes filled with flowers

embellished the front facade

of the kitchen and laundry

building. Circa 1913.

(William Williams Collection,

#28881, Photography

Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art,

Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

61

and carpentry shop, and yard on the northern

corner of the main immigration building. Island

Two had one privy on the north corner of the

island. However, by 1916 only the privy located in

the yard near the main immigration building on

Island One remained.9 Congress appropriated

$50,000 for the construction of a new bakery and

carpentry shop in 1913. A contractor completed

the new building by June 1915, replacing the old

wooden structures on Island One with a new

masonry building in the same location.10

Additions to the ferry house included a coal hoist

and a series of coal bins located behind the

building.11 These numerous alterations and efforts

to improve facilities indicate activity at the

immigration station remained high.

Documentation reveals the ornamental landscape

was well-maintained throughout this period. A

1912 article described the pleasing island aesthetic:

Figure 4.8 Flower-filled

planters accented various

parts of the island, like these

used in front of the glazed

porch at the main

immigration building. Circa

1913. (William Williams

Collection, #28873,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)

Ellis Island usually is pictured in the

minds of those who never have

been on it as a desolate sort of place

whereon misery and ugliness stand

side by side. Nothing is further

from the truth. In the spring and

summer there is no place in or near

New York which has greener grass

or more beautiful privet hedges.

Those hedges, in fact, would do

credit to the private estate of any

millionaire, so dense and uniform is

their growth and so well are they

kept by the gardener on the island.

In fact, at this great clearing house

for homesick but hopeful humanity

most of the immigrants have more

inviting surroundings than ever they

had at home, with a view of one of

the most magnificent and interesting

harbors in the world added to

them.12 (Figure 4.9)

Figure 4.9 The grounds

staff at Ellis Island kept the

grassy lawns and Ligustrum

hedges highly manicured and

well-maintained. Notice the

planters on the entry steps,

small wooden fences used for

traffic control, and directional

sign near the ferry basin.

Circa 1913. (William

Williams Collection, #28895,

Photography Collection,

Miriam and Ira D. Wallach

Division of Art, Prints and

Photographs, The New York

Public Library, Astor, Lenox

and Tilden Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

62

By 1915 Commissioner of Immigration Frederic

C. Howe implemented additional landscape

improvements. These changes increased the

recreational space for detainees and increased

their access to the outdoors. The Bureau of

Immigration installed a wire fence along the

cinder walk at the northeast seawall, added swings

and other playground equipment, and created

recreation spaces for both adult and children

detainees (Figure 4.10). They added benches to

the lawns, constructed handball courts, and

encouraged outdoor activity with a series of

regular Sunday band concerts on the lawn.

Increased flower plantings in beds and pots

enhanced the more “user friendly” landscape.13

The circulation system, upgraded in 1909 when

the existing boardwalk was replaced with new

wood, was improved again circa 1915 when

concrete replaced the boardwalk on a newly

rehabilitated section of seawall. 14

The approach of World War I and the resulting

shift in focus from immigration to military use on

the island led to a general decrease in landscape

improvements and maintenance. Many of the

existing ornamental plantings were probably not

as highly maintained during the war years. Some

of the flower beds may have been abandoned

altogether. However, officials still encouraged

military detainees to use the landscape for

recreation and the area east and north of the main

immigration building remained fenced for this

purpose. The weekly band concerts on the lawn

were suspended, but after the war Commissioner

of Immigration Frederick A. Wallis reinstated the

shows for returning immigration staff and aliens.

On August 1, 1920, during the first concert after

the war, “about 800 aliens were entertained on the

lawn by a band, which played all the national

anthems of countries represented on Ellis Island,

opening with The Star-Spangled Banner.”15 Even

immigrants remaining aboard ships in the harbor

enjoyed the entertainment. One report

mentioned that twelve hundred passengers from

the Holland American liner Rotterdam watched the

show from the decks of the ship. However,

officials did not allow all immigrants to

participate. Some aliens remained detained inside

the buildings and fenced yards.16

Island Two

By June 1907 United States CommissionerGeneral of Immigration Frank P. Sargent

determined that the hospital on Island Two, even

with the newly completed extension, still did not

provide adequate facilities for the increasing

numbers of patients treated at the site. Officials

proposed construction of an additional wing

southeast of the recently completed addition

(administration building). Called the new hospital

extension, this building was similar to the main

hospital building in size and appearance.

Congress concurred with the recommendation

and appropriated $250,000 for the project in

February 1908. George W. Stoner, chief medical

officer for the hospital, submitted initial sketches

for the building to architects with the U. S. Public

Buildings Service, but a controversy soon arose

over the design. The medical staff and

Commissioner of Immigration Watchorn wanted

the building floors to be on the same level as the

existing hospital addition, which were higher than

the main hospital building, allowing room for a

full-size basement in the new building. Architects

wanted to maintain consistency between the

facades of the main hospital building and the new

structure, which would allow room for only a

service basement. The issue was eventually

resolved in favor of the former alternative, and

the architects completed drawings for the building.

The New York State Construction Company

Figure 4.10 Immigrant children enjoy the playground

on the north side of Island One. 1926. (Hine Unit 1,

No. 31, Photography Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

63

began construction in June 1908, and work was

nearly complete by the spring of 1909. Cold

weather delayed the pouring of concrete sidewalks

and stoops until late April, but by May all

construction was finished (Figure 4.11).17

Another addition to Island Two was the American

Red Cross recreation building constructed around

1915. The small masonry structure was located

on the northeast corner of the island near the

ferry house and the hospital outbuilding. There is

little documentation on the construction of this

building, however, photographs show the

installation of ornamental landscaping along the

building’s foundation (Figure 4.12).18

Figure 4.11 Island Two is

viewed from Island One in

this circa 1913 photograph,

showing (left to right) the

new hospital extension,

administration building, and

the original main hospital

building. The boardwalk,

wooden cribwork seawall, and

fender pilings along the ferry

basin on Island One are

shown in the foreground.

(STLI Library, 19.5, #14)

As the new buildings were constructed on Island

Two, immigration officials oversaw various

landscape improvement projects. Concrete

aprons installed around the perimeter of the

buildings served as walkways and provided

circulation routes. A cinder path provided

circulation around the perimeter of the island

(Figure 4.13). Lawns filled the remainder of the

open space. A tennis court near the surgeon’s

house provided recreation space for island

residents and employees. Sometime after the

completion of the new hospital extension in 1909,

a connecting walkway covered with a wooden

pergola was constructed between this building and

the surgeon’s house. Details of the installation

Figure 4.12 Workers install plantings around the new

American Red Cross recreation building on Island

Two. Circa 1915. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG90-G-125-56)

Figure 4.13 From Island Two, a cinder path is visible

along the seawall in the foreground, while the

construction of hospital buildings on Island Three is

visible in the background. December 16, 1907.

(National Archives and Records Administration,

RG121-BCP-38A1-13)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

64

and exact date of these features is unknown,

however, they first appear on 1913 maps and

photographs. Vines and flowers enhanced both

the pergola and a circular flower bed between the

pergola and ferry basin (Figure 4.14).19

Island Three

In March 1905 a $250,000 appropriation from

Congress initiated construction of the contagiousdisease hospital on Island Three. In planning the

hospital’s layout, much debate arose between

immigration officials, hospital officials, and U. S.

Public Buildings Service architects concerning the

design, specifications for construction, and need

for additional funding. Given the history of

increasing immigration and the continuous need

to update buildings on Islands One and Two,

Commissioner-General Sargent wanted to ensure

the new hospital would fulfill future needs. In his

1906 annual report, Sargent argued for an

additional $250,000 to ensure the hospital on

Island Three would be “large enough and

sufficiently commodious and complete in its

arrangement and equipment to obviate any

possibility of additions or extensions being

required in the near future.”20

Figure 4.15 The as-built layout of Island Three. The U. S. Public Health Service changed the names of the

buildings on Island Three when they took over the facility in 1919. (Copied from Historic Structure Report...Historical

Data, p. 537)

Mortuary

Isolation Ward K

Staff

House Isolation Ward L

Measles

Ward H

Measles

Ward D

Administration

Building Measles

Ward C

Measles

Ward G

Office Building

Measles Powerhouse/Laundry

Ward E

Measles

Ward A

Kitchen

Isolation Ward J Measles

Ward B

Measles

Ward F

Original Building Name Public Health Service Name

Measles Ward D Wards 21, 22

Measles Ward E Wards 13, 14

Measles Ward F Wards 23, 24

Measles Ward G Wards 11, 12

Measles Ward H Wards 25, 26

Isolation Ward J Wards 27, 28

Isolation Ward K Wards 31, 32

Isolation Ward L Wards 29, 30

Original Building Name Public Health Service Name

Administration Building Administration

Kitchen Kitchen

Mortuary Animal House

Office Building Nurses’ Quarters

Powerhouse/Laundry Powerhouse

Staff House Staff House

Measles Ward A Wards 17, 18

Measles Ward B Wards 19, 20

Measles Ward C Wards 15, 16

Figure 4.14 This walk and

pergola, constructed between the

new hospital extension and the

surgeon’s house (out of photo to

left), provided a perfect location

for flowers and vines. Also

shown are a circular flower bed

and tennis courts behind the

pergola on the southwest side of

Island Two. Circa 1913. (William

Williams Collection, #28877,

Photography Collection, Miriam

and Ira D. Wallach Division of

Art, Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library, Astor,

Lenox and Tilden Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

65

In December 1906 the Department of Commerce

and Labor awarded a contract to Northeastern

Construction Company for the construction of

several of the buildings in the Island Three

hospital complex, including the administration

building, the kitchen, the powerhouse and laundry,

and measles wards A, B, and E. Northeastern

completed these structures by November 1907. It

won an additional contract for construction of

the second phase of buildings including measles

wards C, D, and G, isolation ward L, the staff

house, the mortuary, and corridors from the

powerhouse to measles ward E. Northeastern

and other contractors fulfilled subsequent

contracts to complete measles wards F and H,

isolation wards I and K, and the office building.

By the spring of 1909, the entire contagiousdisease hospital was finished, although several

problems with last-minute details delayed its

opening until June 1911 (Figure 4.15).21

As building construction concluded, the landscape

surrounding the newly completed hospital was

gradually improved. It is unknown whether this

work was contracted out or performed by

immigration employees. In 1908 workers filled

around the first set of completed buildings on

Island Three with soil taken from the excavations

of the new hospital extension on Island Two.

They graded the fill, added loam, and planted a

lawn (Figure 4.16). Work crews completed

additional grading and lawn renovations on Island

Three in 1912. However, they did not install any

trees or shrubs, nor did officials develop a

comprehensive plan for the island’s landscape.

By 1913 an established lawn existed on the north

side of the island, but areas on the south side

remained rough and barren.

A central concrete walkway was integral to the

building’s layout and design and provided

circulation between the buildings. Although initial

1909 drawings specified additional concrete walks

between the buildings and around the island’s

perimeter, these were not installed. By 1913

cinder walkways existed in these locations instead.

In 1914 Congress appropriated funds to enclose

the two-story central corridor, which connected all

buildings on Island Three except the isolation

wards and office buildings. The glass enclosure

allowed use of the corridor during inclement

weather. Contractors completed the work by June

1914.22 Additionally, in 1918 the U. S. Army

replaced the wooden gangway connecting Islands

Two and Three with a covered walk while they

occupied the hospital complex. Commissioner

Williams requested this upgrade as early as 1911,

since the open walkway did not provide adequate

protection for transferring patients between

buildings and the existing piles were deteriorating

quickly. He requested a fireproof masonry

structure, but the walkway added by the U. S.

Army was constructed of wood.23

The facilities on Island Three were certainly

adequate to meet the needs of the immigration

Figure 4.16 Upon completion of the mortuary

(animal house) on Island Three, there was still a

considerable amount of fill needed to raise the island’s

grade to its planned elevation. Notice the distance

between the bottom of the staircase and the rough

grade prior to the addition of topsoil fill. October 14,

1907. (National Archives and Records Administration,

RG121-BCP-38A-3)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

66

station at the time of their completion, but

Commissioner of Immigration Daniel J. Keefe

continued to push for upgrades in his annual

reports. For example, in 1909 he stressed the

need for space to house aliens with “mental

defects”:

Our hospital facilities, thanks to the

recent construction of a contagious

disease hospital on the new island,

will probably now be adequate,

except that there is no proper ward

for holding for observation cases in

which it is suspected that the alien

may be affected mentally. Certain

wooden barracks are now used for

this purpose. They were never

intended to stand permanently, and

furthermore are dangerous by

reason of their inflammability.24

It is unclear where these barracks were located,

but they were eventually removed and additional

structures were not constructed to house the

mental patients.25 These patients received

treatment in isolation wards within the hospital

complex on Island Three.

Granite-faced Seawall

In Commissioner Williams’s 1910 funding request

to Congress, he included $150,000 for

replacement of the cribwork seawall. In justifying

this expenditure, Williams noted that the cribwork

surrounding the island varied from two to fifteen

years in age, and the reasonable life span for this

type of structure was only seven years. The

cribwork around Island One already showed signs

of decay above the water line and according to

engineers, the entire structure needed replacement

with a concrete and granite seawall within the next

five years.26 The station did not immediately

receive approval for the expenditure and Williams

repeatedly requested funding during the following

years, with justification noting it was “desirable in

the interest of economy...to encase the three

islands, the life of the existing crib work above

high water being very limited.”27

Congress eventually approved funding, and in

1913 the Department of Labor began initiating a

series of contracts to replace the existing wooden

crib, rock-filled bulkheads with a new concrete

seawall with granite facing. The work covered

several phases of construction. The Chief

Engineer for the Bureau of Immigration

recommended starting Contract #1 on the north

side of the ferry basin.28 This section cost

approximately $115,000 to complete. Contract #2

Figure 4.17 In 1913

construction began on the

new concrete and granite

seawall on Island One. This

image of construction on

Contract #1 shows how the

new seawall was placed

outside the existing crib

bulkhead, reducing the width

of the ferry basin by about

thirty feet when the north

and south basin seawalls were

completed. Circa 1913.

(STLI Library, 26.7, #16)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

67

began soon after the completion of Contract #1,

and covered the portion of wall directly opposite

the ferry basin on the northeast side of Island

Two. Placed on the water side of the existing

bulkhead, the new seawall installed under

Contracts #1 and #2 reduced the width of the

ferry basin by approximately thirty feet (Figure

4.17). Contract #3 extended the wall around the

southeast and southwest sides of Islands Two and

Three, bridging the basin between the two islands.

Contract #4 consisted of the section of wall on

the northeast side of the baggage and dormitory

building on Island One, northeast of the existing

bulkhead. Upon completion of Contract #4, a

wooden ramp spanned the space between the

existing bulkhead and the new seawall, and the

area was eventually filled. A new section of thirtyfour fender piles along the face of the seawall

allowed boats to moor alongside the building in

this area.29 Contract #5 extended the seawall from

northeast of the baggage and dormitory building

to the north side of the powerhouse on Island

One, and included additional landfill between the

existing bulkhead and the new seawall (see

Appendix A). By 1921 the concrete and granite

seawall enclosed most of Island One. However,

the southeast point of the island did not receive

the new wall until the 1930s, and the seawall was

not completed on the northwest sides of Islands

Two and Three until 1934, when landfill was

added for the construction of the new

immigration building (see Chapter 5).30

The Circa 1920 Landscape

The landscape of Ellis Island underwent many

improvements during facility expansion from circa

1907 until the midteens. During the war years,

from 1917 to 1919, it is unlikely that the landscape

was improved upon or highly maintained. When

the island reopened for immigration after the war,

the landscape showed evidence of neglect.

Postwar priorities for the Bureau of Immigration

centered on reestablishing the immigration

operations and maintaining the deteriorated

facilities, leaving limited resources available for

maintaining the ornamental landscape.31 Figures

4.18 and 4.26 illustrate the circa 1920 landscape

with an aerial photograph and period plan.

Changes in Ellis Island’s spatial organization

during this period built on previously established

development patterns. The addition of numerous

Figure 4.18 Circa 1920 aerial photo of Ellis Island. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG18-AA93-60)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

68

with the completion of the seawall. In all cases,

the relatively flat landforms present after these

additions were consistent with the topography

already extant on all three islands.

The circa 1915 replacement of the ferry basin

boardwalk with a new concrete walk improved

circulation on Island One. On Island Two,

concrete aprons around the buildings and a

perimeter cinder walk created new circulation

routes. An enclosed central corridor and outside

perimeter walks connecting all buildings provided

circulation on Island Three. The addition of a

dock extension on the northeast corner of the

ferry basin, adjacent to the ferry ramp and

extending out over the bulkhead, slightly altered

the circulation pattern of incoming immigrants at

the ferry house. This addition allowed immigrants

to access the ferryboat directly from the basinside walk on Island One without having to enter

the ferry house. Water circulation routes

remained consistent. Immigrant ferries arrived at

the main ferry slip, while barge traffic landed at

the powerhouse coal wharf and the coal wharf

behind the ferry house (Figures 4.19 – 4.21).

By circa 1920 there were five primary buildings on

Island One including the main immigration

building (1900), kitchen and laundry building

(1901), powerhouse (1901), baggage and

dormitory building (1909), and bakery and

carpentry shop (1915). The ferry house (1901)

stood between Islands One and Two. Island Two

buildings on Islands Two and Three decentralized

activity from Island One, spreading active land use

among all three islands. As new structures were

added, their placement reflected locations

specified on early plans for the second

immigration station, and reinforced the

established linear organization along the north/

south axis of the island. Open space remained an

important organizational feature. On Island One,

additional landfill replaced existing open space

that was used for the construction of the baggage

and dormitory building, and on Island Three,

building placement along a central axis created

numerous small courtyard spaces. The basins

between the islands provided both a physical and

a visual separation between building groups and

land uses associated with each island.

Overall, institutional land use dominated Ellis

Island, with minor residential use continuing in

the hospital buildings and surgeon’s house on

Island Two, and the staff house on Island Three.

At a more detailed level, Island One focused on

immigration operations, Island Two offered

general hospital care, and Island Three provided a

distant area for quarantining patients with

contagious diseases.

Construction projects necessitated only minor

topographical changes during this period.

Completion of the hospital on Island Three

required minor regrading and the addition of

topsoil. Landfill was also added to Island One

Figure 4.20 This new concrete walk replaced the

boardwalk along the ferry basin on Island One. Circa

1915. (STLI Library, 19.6, #29)

Figure 4.19 The boardwalk along the ferry basin on

Island One. Circa 1913. (William Williams Collection,

#28939, Photography Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

69

contained the main hospital building (1900),

hospital outbuilding (1901), surgeon’s house

(1901), psychopathic ward (1907), administration

building (1907), new hospital extension (1909),

and the American Red Cross recreation building

(circa 1915). Seventeen buildings were located on

Island Three, including an administration building

(1907), powerhouse (1907), kitchen (1907), staff

house (1908), animal house (1908), nurses’

quarters (1909), and eleven hospital buildings

housing twenty-two wards (1907-1909).

Miscellaneous structures included a coal hoist

(1901), incinerator (1902), and greenhouse (1910)

on Island One, a coal hoist and coal bins behind

the ferry house, a pump house (1901) on Island

Two, and several covered walkways on all three

islands. The ferry slip (1901) and one floating

Figure 4.21 Immigrants

disembarking the ferry

proceeded down the dock

extension and along the ferry

basin on Island One to reach

the main immigration

building. Circa 1913.

(William Williams Collection,

#29023, Photography

Collection, Miriam and Ira D.

Wallach Division of Art,

Prints and Photographs, The

New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden

Foundations)

dock remained in the ferry basin. The new

concrete and granite seawall completely

surrounded Island One, while a wooden crib

seawall enclosed the other two. Most of the

structures remained in good condition since the

island was fully occupied and in use.

By 1920 vegetation on the island consisted

primarily of large areas of lawn accented by a few

scattered flower beds and hedgerows. These

features were remnants of the pre-World War I

landscape when there was more focus on

maintaining the site. None of the three islands

had any substantial tree cover. However, the tree

identified earlier as the Gibbet Tree remained on

Island One northeast of the kitchen and laundry

building, and a few small trees grew behind the

hospital buildings on Island Two (Figure 4.22).

Figure 4.22 Typical

vegetation on the island

during this period included

large expanses of lawn, like

this area around the

greenhouse on Island One.

October 29, 1913. (National

Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP38A-1)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

70

The addition of more buildings to the island

altered views and vistas slightly. The structures

blocked some existing view sheds, but also created

new and more intimate views within the island.

Views from the island’s edges remained relatively

consistent, with only slight alteration caused by

the changing Manhattan skyline and the increasing

development on the New Jersey wharves.

Many of the small-scale features present in earlier

periods remained on the island, including the circa

1902 lamp posts, benches, planters, a fog bell, and

the flagstaff. The post and wire fencing around

the lawn on Island One had been removed by

circa 1913. Some wooden picket fence sections

assisted with crowd control on the main sidewalks.

At several points along the seawall, including the

edge of the ferry basin, large iron mooring cleats

served as docking points for ferryboats and other

vessels. Playground equipment occupied a small

area in the recreation grounds on the northeast

side of Island One (Figures 4.23 - 4.25).

Figure 4.23 Benches and lamp posts remained on the island from the earlier era, including these on the southeast

side of the main immigration building. Circa 1913. (William Williams Papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division,

The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 4.24 The hedges no longer contained post and

wire fences, but small wooden fences assisted with

crowd control in front of the main immigration building.

Circa 1913. (William Williams Collection, Photography

Collection, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art,

Prints and Photographs, The New York Public Library,

Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations)

Figure 4.25 Iron mooring cleats along the seawall, as

shown in the lower left of the photo, assisted with

docking ships. They were added to the landscape

sometime between 1907 and 1913. Circa 1915.

(STLI Library, 19.6, #29)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

71

Endnotes for Chapter 4

1 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 365-376.

2

Ibid., pp. 382-388.

3

Ibid., p. 589.

4

 “Annual Report, Office of the Commissioner of

Immigration, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, New

York, N.Y.,” June 30, 1913 (New York Public Library,

Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection, William

Williams Papers).

5 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building,

pp. 55-57.

6 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 5, 140-153.

7

 The contract was awarded to the Morse-Boulger

Destructor Company, which began work in the spring

of 1911. Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp.

582-583.

8 Archeological Resources, p. 60.

9 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 383, 529,

532; Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 55;

Archeological Resources, p. 61.

10 There is no information available on the chosen

contractor. Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp.

593-594; Archeological Resources, p. 60.

11 It is not clear when these features were added. They

first appear on a 1913 map, however, they may have

been installed as early as 1905 when the ferry house

was widened.

12 “Our Clearing House for Immigrants,” unidentified

press article, 1912 (New York Public Library, Rare

Books and Manuscripts, William Williams Papers,

Scrapbook 2).

13 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 54, 57,

70-71.

14 The 1909 rehabilitation of the boardwalk modified

the original design. The original planking was laid

parallel to the seawall, but the new planking was

installed perpendicular to the seawall.

Archeological Resources, p. 62; Historic Structure Report, The

Main Building, p. 60.

15 New York Times, August 2, 1920 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 4).

16 New York Times, August 23, 1920 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 4).

17 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 448-459.

18 Archeological Resources, p. 61.

19 “Block Plan, Showing Relative Locations of

Buildings, Corridors, etc. on the Three Islands, U. S.

Immigration Station Ellis Island N.Y.H.,” December

24, 1913 (National Park Service, Denver Service

Center, Technical Information Center File, 462/

43968-0008.tif).

20 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 513-515.

21 Ibid., pp. 515-532.

22 Ibid, p. 534.

23 Ibid., p. 468.

24 “Annual Report, Office of the Commissioner of

Immigration, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, N.Y.,”

August 16, 1909 (New York Public Library, Rare

Books and Manuscripts Collection, William Williams

Papers).

25 The 1911 Annual Report said “the wooden barracks

on the north side of the island, together with much

debris, have been removed and the ground graded.

This portion of the island no longer presents an

unsightly appearance.” This may be in reference to

the wooden barracks mentioned in the 1909 report, or

it may be referring to the barracks removed on Island

One when the baggage and dormitory building was

constructed. (“Annual Report, Office of the

Commissioner of Immigration for the Port of New

York, with Reference to Ellis Island Affairs for the

year ended June 30, 1911,” Government Printing

Office, Washington, DC (National Archives, Record

Group 85, Entry 9, Box 201, File 53294-8).

26 William Williams, Commissioner of Immigration to

Commissioner General, July 1, 1910 (National

Archives, Record Group 85, Box 620, File 52519-18B)

27 “Annual Report, Office of the Commissioner of

Immigration, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, New

York, N.Y.,” June 30, 1913 (New York Public Library,

Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection, William

Williams Papers).

28 According to the Bureau of Immigration’s Chief

Engineer and Superintendent of Repairs, the new

seawall sections were to generally be “monolithic

construction separated by proper joints spaced about

20 feet apart, using, where practicable, as a foundation

the present cribwork in place, which is generally sound

below extreme low water.” The proposed amounts to

complete the seawall around all three islands were:

Island One, $368,669.70; Island Two, $198,620.10;

Island Three, $219,880.50. William Williams,

Commissioner of Immigration to Commissioner

General, July 1, 1910 (National Archives, Record

Group 85, Box 620, File 52519-18B).

29 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 390.

30 Archeological Resources, p. 62; Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 7; “Annual Report, Office of

the Commissioner of Immigration, Ellis Island, New

York Harbor, New York, N.Y.,” June 30, 1913 (New

York Public Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Collection, William Williams Papers).

31 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 71-72.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 4: Second Immigration Station - Facility Growth (Circa 1907 - Circa 1920)

72
73

75

CHAPTER 5: SECOND IMMIGRATION

STATION – DETENTION FACILITIES

(CIRCA 1920 – 1954)

During the next three decades, Ellis Island’s

landscape consistently changed in response to

modified patterns of use on the island. Reduced

immigration activity in the 1920s and the

accompanying reduction in station staff resulted

in some deterioration of structures and the

landscape. However, routine maintenance

preserved most landscape features. Changes

during the 1930s emphasized the facility’s new

role as a detention center by providing increased

areas and facilities for detainee recreation. This

period saw the addition or rehabilitation of

numerous features, including security fencing to

confine detainees, guardhouses, and new sections

of concrete and granite seawall. Implementation

of a comprehensive planting plan began in the

early 1940s and continued until the onset of

World War II. During the late 1940s and early

1950s, island activity slowed considerably and little

change took place on the island. By the time the

station officially closed in 1954, the facilities and

landscape were once again neglected and

deteriorating.

Landscape Changes During the 1920s

Throughout the 1920s, various immigration

commissioners sought funding to maintain the

facilities and to provide for growing numbers of

detainees. Once again, the provision of recreation

space for immigrants and detainees was a

landscape priority. In 1923 the Bureau of

Immigration requested more than $2.5 million for

“a commodius, sanitary, attractive Ellis Island”

including a new sea wall “and more land acquired

by filling in, so that the immigrants should have

space for exercise outside the buildings,” including

a “pavilion for shelter and a children’s house with

kindergarten and nursery.” 1 In anticipation of

receiving the funding, immigration officials

developed preliminary plans for these structures.2

President Calvin Coolidge supported the work,

and in 1924 he asked Congress to appropriate

$300,000 to improve conditions on the island.3

Congress appropriated partial funding and work

began in the mid- to late 1920s on both the

buildings and landscape, addressing some of the

inadequacies of the facilities first mentioned as

early as 1903.

A major project completed during this time was

filling the area between Islands Two and Three to

create additional recreation space, which began in

the early 1920s but was not completed until the

early 1930s. Fill consisted primarily of cinders

from the coal-fired island ferry (Figure 5.1).

William Bean, who lived on Island Three as a

child during the 1920s, recalled,

After every trip or two they [ferryboat

crewmen] would clean out the ashes

and clinkers, and load them into these

two-wheeled carts...the kind they

used to push concrete in....And they’d

wheel those over on the bridge from

the ferry slip between the first and

second island, and dump them into

the slightly diminishing lagoon there.

And the ashes would be hot. And

they would...bring forth deposits of

sulfur and whatnot....There’d be

beautiful growths of crystals and

steam coming up.4

Various landscape and structural renovations,

completed during the 1920s, improved both the

flow through the buildings and the immigrant’s

experience on the island. In the main

immigration building, individual beds with

supplied bedding replaced old bunks in wire cages,

improving the situation for overnight detainees.

Rearrangement of the reception and examining

rooms eliminated “unnecessary climbing of stairs

and needless going to and fro,” and allowed the

“transfer station [to] be more businesslike.”5 In

late 1924 the Hamilton & Chambers Company of

New York City installed a steel staircase on the

northeast side of the baggage and dormitory

building. This provided access for the detainees

from the open porch on the second story of the

building to the recreation area below (Figure 5.2).6
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

76

Figure 5.1 Aerial photo showing the area between Islands Two and Three partially filled, early 1920s. (STLI Library, 25.2, #7)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

77

In the fall of 1924 the Fireproof Products

Company of New York City repaired the pergola

on Island Two, and in 1926 Neptune B. Smyth,

Inc., repaired porches, steps, railings, and ladders

on the rear of wards 3, 4, 7, and 8 on Island

Three. This contractor also installed a concrete

sidewalk “from the end wall of wards 3 and 4 to

the curb line, and the old concrete sidewalk

between the building lines around the courtyard

was to be replaced.” 7

Figure 5.2 A recently installed steel staircase

is shown on the northeast side of the baggage

and dormitory building, with immigrants

standing next to a trellis on the greenhouse

path. Circa 1920s. (STLI Library, 20.3, #5)

Figure 5.3 Plans for the original 75,000-gallon water tank installed

on Island One in 1920-1921. (NPS, Denver Service Center,

Technical Information Center, STLI 43958-0003.tif)

Figure 5.4 Plans for the

two 250,000-gallon water

tanks installed on Island

One in 1929-1930. (NPS,

Denver Service Center,

Technical Information

Center, STLI 43958-

0006.tif)

The installation of a new 75,000-gallon water tank

and accompanying service pumps in 1920-1921

was the only structural addition during the 1920s.

Bureau of Immigration engineers designed the

tank, and its installation upgraded the entire

island’s freshwater service. The tank was located

at the western corner of the baggage and

dormitory building near the powerhouse. With

continued expansion of the island’s facilities, the

need for freshwater storage increased, and in

1929-1930 the Bureau added two additional

250,000-gallon water towers adjacent to the

original tank (Figures 5.3 – 5.4).8
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

78

Landscape Improvements Under

Commissioner Corsi

In 1931 Edward Corsi began serving as Ellis

Island’s Commissioner of Immigration, remaining

in the position until January 31, 1934. Corsi, an

immigrant himself, had passed through Ellis

Island as a child. His consistent support for

improving the island’s facilities and grounds led to

the implementation of numerous changes to the

landscape throughout the 1930s. Much of the

work was funded and/or constructed through the

Public Works Administration (PWA) and Works

Progress Administration (WPA) programs.9

In his memoir, In the Shadow of Liberty, Corsi

described the importance of the appearance of

the island and how immigrants perceived the

facility.

I had advocated from the very

beginning of my office the need of

publicizing and humanizing the Island

in the eyes of the entire world. As it

is the port of entry to the largest city

in the largest country of the Western

World, it seemed in keeping that the

physical appearance of that port

should bear witness to the importance

of the city and country whose door it

opened. That Ellis Island should be

to the immigrant, as well as to the

American, an inspiration – a tribute to

our physical development as

exemplified in adequate buildings,

well-planned grounds, satisfactory

sanitary and housing conditions – was

to my mind the first, but by no means

the only or the most important,

consideration.10

Changes implemented under Commissioner Corsi

focused on improving the immigrant experience

by updating facilities. In one of his earliest

projects, the recreation space on the northeast

side of Island One was increased and enclosed

with a new eight-foot-tall galvanized chainlink

fence (Figure 5.5). The Atlas Fence Company of

Newark, New Jersey, completed the project in

October 1931. The new fence extended from the

southern corner of the main immigration

building, around the point of the island, to the

eastern corner of the baggage and dormitory

Figure 5.5 Plans for new fencing around recreation grounds on Island One, installed in 1931. (NPS, Denver

Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43967-0019.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

79

building .11 In 1932 removal of the entry portico

altered the main immigration building’s entry, and

installation of a paved plaza and a forty-foot

diameter circular flower bed renovated the

surrounding landscape (Figure 5.6). In that same

year, the Quintine Realty Company of New York

City installed a new steam heating system in the

greenhouse to improve its operation.12 As early as

1920, immigration officials proposed converting

the generators in the powerhouse from coal to oil

burners to save fuel and manpower costs. After

the third proposal in 1931, Congress appropriated

$40,000 to complete the work. The R. H. Baker

Company of New York City completed the

changes by January 1933. Part of this contract

included converting the original 75,000-gallon

water tank into a standby oil storage tank, leaving

the two large water towers to serve the island’s

freshwater needs.13 The coal hoist and conveyor

equipment near the powerhouse were removed

soon after.14 Another alteration occurred in

October 1932 when contractors installed an

additional incinerator in the same building as the

existing incinerator, increasing the capacity of the

facility.15

On Island Two, minor alterations were made to

landscape features. With the initial construction

of the main hospital building, vacuum pumps for

the heating system had been installed in a pump

house on the southwest side of the structure.

Seawater often flooded the basement-level pumps

during particularly high tides, causing them to

malfunction. To remedy this, contractors C. F.

Malanka and the David E. Goggin Company

installed a new pump house and pumps near the

psychopathic ward and covered walkway in 1930.

The structures had a concrete foundation, brick

walls, and steel frame windows.16 In 1932 the

Quintine Realty Company renovated drains and

sewers on Island Two, including the replacement

of leader stacks, alterations to house drains on the

main hospital building, alterations to house

sewers, repairs to sewer mains, construction of

catch basins and manholes, replacement of lines,

and patching of concrete, masonry, and plaster.17

Figure 5.6 One of the improvements initiated by

Commissioner Corsi was the replacement of the entry

portico in front of the main immigration building with

a large circular planting bed. January 9, 1934. (STLI

Library, 25.2, #8, copy also located at National

Archives and Records Administration, RG90-G-90-16)

Ellis Island Committee Recommendations

In 1933 Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins

established “a nonpartisan committee of

prominent citizens” to complete a thorough

analysis of the operation and facilities at Ellis

Island. The objective of the Ellis Island

Committee, as defined by Perkins, was “not to

find fault with the administration at Ellis Island,

but to assist in effecting greater economy in

operation and to improve the general amenities in

the administration of the immigration law.”18

Commissioner Corsi worked closely with the

committee and many of his suggested

improvements were considered for inclusion as

the committee prepared its report to the Secretary.

By the end of 1933, the Ellis Island Committee’s

Subcommittee on Buildings, Grounds, and

Physical Equipment issued a preliminary appraisal

of the condition of the island landscape. This

evaluation focused on increasing recreation

potential for the detainees and specifically

recommended adding more recreation areas,

improving fencing, adding shelters and comfort

stations, installing turfgrass on the newly filled

recreation area between Islands Two and Three,

and improving landscaping on Island Two and

near the new water tanks on Island One. In 1934

the Ellis Island Committee issued its final report
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

80

Figure 5.7 Plan of Ellis Island accompanying 1934 Ellis Island Committee final report. (Copied from Historic

Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 269)

Figure 5.8 New ferry building. Circa 1939. (National

Archives and Records Administration, RG135-SA,

Photo B)

Figure 5.9 Construction of the covered masonry

walkway between Island Two and Island Three. July

26, 1935. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP-38B-28)
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Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

81

on the island’s administration and facilities.

Included were the subcommittee’s landscape

evaluation and several additional

recommendations addressing the deteriorating

conditions present since the late 1920s (Figure

5.7). A brief listing of landscape-related

recommendations appearing in the report is

included in Table 5.1. 19

Some of the committee’s recommendations were

subsequently implemented, while others were not.

By the time the committee issued the final report

and recommendations, the Immigration and

Naturalization Service (INS) had already been

considering numerous construction projects for

the island, and several were under way or

proposed for funding and implementation

through the PWA and WPA. The resulting new

additions, building upgrades, and landscape

rehabilitation performed during the 1930s would

be the last major phase of construction

completed on Ellis Island while it was still in use

as an immigration facility.

One addition proposed by the committee was a

new ferry terminal building. By 1934, the existing

ferry house was “old and somewhat dilapidated”

and, along with the wooden connecting

passageways, needed replacement. The committee

recommended replacing the structure with “a new

fireproof ferry house and connecting passages.”

In October 1934 the Department of Labor

awarded a $133,000 contract to George F. Driscoll

of Brooklyn for building construction. The

building, consisting “of a high central pavilion

surmounted by a copper-covered cupola and two

one-story wings,” was a fireproof masonry and

steel construction designed with art deco

influences. Driscoll constructed the building at

the head of the ferry basin between Islands One

and Two. The contractor finished both the new

ferry building and covered walkways, including a

new covered masonry walk replacing the 1918

covered wooden walk between Islands Two and

Three, by January 1936 (Figures 5.8 - 5.9).20

George F. Driscoll also constructed a new

immigration building under contract with the

Department of Labor. This structure, intended to

Building Changes

• Construction of a new immigration building

and alterations to existing structures to provide

“better facilities for segregation of different

classes...of deportees and of incoming

immigrants and repatriates.” Some of the

deportees were criminals, some had medical

reasons for deportation, and others had simply

fallen on hard times during the Great Depression

and were voluntarily returning home. The

remodeled areas would allow these different

classes of deportees to remain separate, while

newly arrived immigrants would be processed in a

building away from the deportees.

• Removal of the surgeon’s house and

construction of a larger structure to house

doctors and nurses, allowing residences to be

moved out of the adjacent hospital, freeing up the

room for new hospital use.

• Construction of verandas on four wards on

Island Three, for “tubercular and other patients.”

• Installation of a new recreation building to

replace the Red Cross building on Island Two.

• Installation of a new fireproof ferry building

with “waiting rooms, lunch counter, guard-room,

toilets for men and for women, repair shop, etc.”

Landscape Changes

• Installation of a new seawall and landfill on the

northwest side of Island One. The area was to be

“about 110 feet wide, well fenced, providing space

for recreation...and landscaped as shown on the

plan.” Also adding other seawalls as shown on

the accompanying plan, “carried up three feet

above grade to afford protection from salt water,

for planting,” to create new areas for “recreation

and occupational work on the Island.”

• Regrading and landscaping the area between

Islands Two and Three, including planting the

cinder-covered area and using it “for hospital

recreation for all classes of patients including a

separate enclosure between pavilions for illegal

entrants under hospital care.”

Table 5.1

Ellis Island Committee

Recommendations

Source: Report of the Ellis Island Committee, March 1934,

Reprint, Jerome S. Ozer, The American Immigration

Library, A Facsimile Reprint Collection, New York, 1971

(STLI Library, JV6481 1934a), pp. 137-139.
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Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

82

Figure 5.10 A new seawall and pilings were added to

accommodate construction of the new immigration

building on the northwest side of the island.

September 24, 1934. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP-38C-3)

Figure 5.11 After seawall completion, dredging and fill

created a land area for the new immigration building.

The old wooden covered walkway is shown in the

background. October 24, 1934. (National Archives

and Records Administration, RG121-BCP-38C-11)

Figure 5.12 The original elevation of the new immigration building shows proposed porches on each end of the

building. October 11, 1933. (NPS Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43957-0005.tif)

Figure 5.13 February 1936 aerial photo showing the completed new ferry building and new immigration building

on the northwest side of the island. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG18-AA-93-59)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

83

aid in segregating the different classes of

immigrants and detainees, was located on the

northwest side of the new ferry building.

Construction required the addition of a new

section of seawall and landfill north of the new

ferry building. Installation of the support pilings

began in 1934, and Driscoll completed the

structure in 1935-1936. The building’s original

plans reflected continued emphasis on

immigrants’ recreation needs. Chester H. Aldrich,

consulting architect for the project, specified sun

porches on the north and south ends of the

building as well as a playground and gardens in the

surrounding landscape. Even though these initial

plans were never implemented, the newly filled

ground around the building was used for

recreation. Two tennis courts took the place of

the proposed garden on the south end of the

building (Figures 5.10 – 5.13).21

By the time the new immigration building was

funded and constructed, the extra space it

provided for immigrant processing was no longer

needed. Immigration had slowed and the island’s

focus had changed from immigrant processing to

detention, reducing the numbers of immigrants

passing through the facilities. This shift was

caused primarily by the earlier implementation of

the Immigration Act of 1924, which restricted

immigrant numbers and effectively ended mass

immigration. This allowed the Bureau of

Immigration to replace island-based processing

with shipboard inspection. Only those

immigrants who did not pass inspection, those

needing medical attention, or those being detained

for deportation were brought directly to the

island. The reduction in use of island facilities,

compounded by a general decrease in immigration

during the Depression and the lack of funding for

the building’s upkeep, left the new structure

unused for several years after its completion.

In 1939 the U. S. Coast Guard occupied the new

immigration building and several other island

facilities, staying for the duration of World War II.

Other wartime changes included the use of the

existing hospital for wounded veterans and the

addition of a large number of enemy aliens to the

existing population of detained immigrants,

strengthening the island’s primary use as a

detention facility. In 1946 the U. S. Coast Guard

left the island and the new immigration building

remained unused until Ellis Island’s abandonment

in 1954.22

In August 1934 the Department of Labor

awarded a contract to B & Z Contracting

Company to construct a new greenhouse. The

Ellis Island Committee recommended locating the

new structure on the northeast corner of Island

One, near the powerhouse and incinerator.

Razing the old greenhouse and removing the

adjacent shrub beds and walk created more

recreation space for detainees east of the main

immigration building. The new greenhouse was

approximately twenty-five by fifty feet in size and

consisted of a structural steel frame, typical ridge

roofline, and “B” quality double-strength window

glass. The contractor installed a low-pressure,

steam-heating system and the building was in use

by the summer of 1935. During a subsequent

renovation in the 1940s, contractors replaced the

glass, reworked the ridge caps, and painted the

superstructure.23

Federal Project No. 61 was one of the landscape

projects already under way when the committee

issued its recommendations. This project

included adding “2397 linear feet of granite facing

concrete seawall to complete the enclosing of

Ellis Island, as authorized by Congress 1911,”

installing “required fill and soil for the eastward

extension of Island No. 1 if new sea wall is built,”

and removing “2 feet of present cinder fill

between buildings of Is. No. 2 and replace with 18

inches of sub soil and 6 inches of top soil and

plant with grass and shrubs. Also similar

treatment for north side of Is. No. 1 and south

side of Is. No. 3.”24 The proposed cost was

$549,000. In 1934 an updated cost estimate added

repairs of the existing seawall, dredging in the

ferry slip, and various landscaping for Islands Two

and Three.25 It is not clear whether Federal

Project No. 61 was fully implemented as

proposed, but numerous projects on all three

islands throughout the mid- to late 1930s

addressed items included in this proposal

(Figure 5.14).
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

84

Due to the increased emphasis on projects with

landscape components, the INS began developing

a more comprehensive planning strategy for the

entire island. Officials proceeded with the early

development of an island-wide master plan, which

would evolve during the remainder of the decade.

A 1935 memo between the Department of the

Treasury and the WPA district office identified

several items a master plan should address. The

memo described an accompanying 1935 drawing

titled “Drawing T-L,” however, this plan has not

been located. The work described in the memo is

consistent with subsequent changes made in the

landscape, indicating landscape projects

completed in the late 1930s were the direct result

of this early planning. Recommendations from

the 1935 memo are listed in Table 5.2.

In August 1935 the INS applied to the WPA for

funding to complete renovations on the island,

including some of the work described in the 1935

memo. The Commissioner of Immigration

requested “an allotment of $84,340.00 for

renovation of station buildings and equipment

and for landscaping grounds.”26 It is unclear from

the record whether this funding was received in

full, but subsequent alterations to the facilities and

landscape on Ellis Island during the late 1930s and

early 1940s followed the direction of the 1935

planning efforts and indicate at least partial

funding was obtained for this work.27

In response to the Ellis Island Committee’s

recommendation to provide more recreation

amenities for the detainees, as well as for the staff

of the various organizations working on the

island, the INS developed plans to construct a

new recreation building and two recreation

shelters. In February 1936 the Department of

Labor awarded a contract for the construction of

these facilities to the Albert Development

Corporation of New York City. The contract

included razing the existing American Red Cross

recreation building on the northeast side of Island

Two, constructing the new recreation building and

one recreation shelter on the landfill between

Islands Two and Three, and constructing another

recreation shelter on Island One northeast of the

powerhouse. The contractor completed these

structures in early 1937 (Figures 5.15 – 5.16).28

The recreation building and shelters retained their

intended functions from 1937 until the island

closed in 1954. They allowed “ailing immigrants,

merchant seamen, and members of the U. S.

Coast Guard who received treatment at the

hospitals on islands 2 and 3...to participate in

athletic and social activities in the recreation

building and nearby shelter while the shelter on

island 1 was used exclusively by those detained on

island 1.” 29 When the U. S. Public Health Service

closed the hospital facilities in 1951, the U. S.

Coast Guard continued using the recreation

facilities until the entire island was shut down in

1954.

Figure 5.14 This area

northeast of the main

immigration building adjacent

to the recreation yard was the

last section of landfill added

to the island. Its addition

increased the available space

for immigrant recreation. It

may have been constructed as

part of Federal Project No.

61. April 2, 1934. (National

Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP38C-12)
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85

• Removal of existing walks and forty-footdiameter circular planting bed in front of the main

immigration building and the installation of new

flower beds, hedges, walks, and poplar trees.

• Removal of the hedge, concrete walk, and

wrought-iron fence located on the triangular section

of ground at the southeast end of Island One and

installation of topsoil, lawn, and some trees.

• Addition of a “terrace around the porch” and

walks to the recreation area for detainees bounded

by the powerhouse, baggage and dormitory

building, and recreation shelter. Regrading and

seeding existing lawn with “Bermuda grass or other

tough grass suitable for recreation grounds.”

• Installation of an eight-foot-wide terrace adjacent

to the porch on the baggage and dormitory

building, two and one-half feet above grade with a

retaining wall or ramp that “could be planted to

grass and climbing ivy,” but “No trees or shrubs

offering concealment.”

• Removal of six inches of cinders from the area

around the powerhouse and the addition of newly

graded topsoil and lawn, but no trees or shrubs.

Completion of filling the area behind the new

immigration building, “extending from the water,

forward to the ‘covered passage,’ Ferry Building, and

Bakery and Carpenter Shops” with dredged

material, allowing the fill to settle and dry out, and

adding six inches of topsoil and a newly seeded

lawn. Trees or other shrub plantings “would be as

decided upon by the landscape architect.”

• Renovating the lawn on Island Two by turning

under the existing sod, regrading, adding four

inches of topsoil, reseeding, and adding trees or

shrubs, and additional sidewalks as specified by the

landscape architect.

• Seeding the newly filled area between Islands

Two and Three, except for the proposed walks and

flower beds, and planting trees and shrubs as

specified by the landscape architect.

• Regrading Island Three, where the cinder fill

had settled from four to six inches below the

proper grade for the buildings and there was only

a “thin covering” of topsoil in some locations,

adding topsoil, seeding, and planting additional

trees and shrubs. Extant trees included birch with

trunk diameters of three to four inches. A new

system of walkways for the recreation area was

also proposed.

• Contracting out the preparation of the flower

beds for planting on all three islands and using inhouse staff for planting these beds. However, “all

other labor, grading, soil, top soil, seeds, fertilizer,

planting, trees, shrubs and other nursery stock

should be supplied by contract.”

• Improving the establishment of trees on the

island. The island’s grade averaged four feet above

high tide and tree establishment had been difficult

because of this and other adverse conditions such

as high winds. The landscape architect should be

consulted for suitable tree and shrub varieties.

• Renovation of the three lawn areas in front of

the main immigration building by turning under

the existing sod, adding six inches of topsoil, and

reseeding.

Source: Byron H. Uhl to Paul H. Heimer, January 10, 1935 (National Archives, New York City, Record Group 79, Box

10, Folder 222).

Table 5.2

1935 Landscape Proposals for Master Planning
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Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

86

Figure 5.17 This June 1936 map of contours and grades identifies the new pattern of walks and planting areas on

Island One. Notice the trees in the lawn panels along the ferry basin, and the groupings of shrubs planted directly

in front of the main immigration building. (NPS Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI

43957-0029.tif)

Figure 5.16 The recreation

shelter on Island One marked

the edge of the recreation

yard adjacent to the

powerhouse. The second

greenhouse built on Island

One is shown on the left.

October 25, 1936. (National

Archives and Records

Administration, RG121-BCP38B-29)

Figure 5.15 Newly

completed recreation building

and shelter between Islands

Two and Three. February 26,

1937. (National Archives and

Records Administration,

RG121-BCP-38B-3)
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87

Work performed as a result of the committee’s

recommendations improved walkways on Island

One and added a small amount of vegetation to

the landscape. In 1936 and 1937 contractors

replaced existing concrete walks around the island.

New walks on the ferry basin side of the kitchen

and laundry building and west wing of the main

immigration building replicated the 1902 walk

layout. Directly in front of the main immigration

building, a rectilinear layout of lawns and walks

with four quadrants and a small circular planting

bed replaced the larger circa 1932 circular planting

bed. One walkway adjacent to the south side of

the main immigration building was removed. A

decrease in the width of the walkway/apron on

the north and east sides of the building provided

a space for planting between the path and the

building. Existing hedges and a row of poplar

trees parallel to the ferry basin remained intact,

while new shrubs filled the space between the

front of the building and the new walkway. Some

plant species specified for various locations on the

island included Juniperus sabina tamariscifolia (savin

juniper), Ligustrum ibota (ibota privet), Viburnum

cassinoides (witherod viburnum), Spiraea latifolia

(meadowsweet), Ampelopsis veitchi (ampelopsis),

and Ligustrum ovalifolium (California privet)

(Figures 5.17 – 5.18).30 The relocated flagstaff on

Island One, at the “point” of the landfill

southeast of the main immigration building, was

enhanced with a new concrete walk circling the

base.31 Contractors installed larger areas of

concrete following specifications calling for

reinforced concrete, five inches thick, scored in

four foot squares, with three-eighths-inch

expansion joints set twenty feet apart. Smaller

walks provided circulation between the new

greenhouse, incinerator, and recreation shelter.32

A new system of walkways also defined the

recreation space between Islands Two and Three.

Constructed in 1936, the walks followed the

rectilinear grid pattern first shown in the

committee’s 1934 report (Figure 5.19). Lawn

Figure 5.19 Newly poured

concrete walkways in the

recreation area between

Islands Two and Three. June

25, 1936. (National Archives

and Records Administration,

RG121-BCP-38B-26)

Figure 5.18 Lawn, hedges,

and a row of poplar trees

filled the area between the

main immigration building

and the ferry basin.

Construction of the new

ferry building is shown in the

background. May 25, 1935.

(National Archives and

Records Administration,

RG121-BCP-38B-30)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

88

filled the areas between the walks, leaving plenty

of open space between the islands for the

recreation activities of hospital patients and

employees. Beatrice Conan, a hospital attendant

on Ellis Island in the late 1930s, recalled the

grounds in this area were not elaborately

landscaped, but there “were places outside where

we could stay, like a bench and...like a garden, but

not a garden...just paths with greenery along side

of it.”33

Following the committee’s recommendation to

provide separation for detainee classes, the

Department of Labor awarded several contracts

to remodel the interior of the baggage and

dormitory building for this purpose.34 Work to

fulfill this recommendation also extended to the

island’s landscape. By the mid-1930s,

adjustments to existing recreation areas on Island

One provided segregated spaces for detainees.

Fenced recreation areas existed near the new

immigration building and north and east of the

main immigration building. The latter area

included a new baseball field and backstop.

Fences between the baggage and dormitory

building and the powerhouse defined a third

recreation area on Island One.35 Additionally,

some fenced areas between wards on Island Three

provided recreation space for detained patients.

Structural additions and alterations in the mid- to

late 1930s also followed committee

recommendations and had impacts on the

landscape. The committee proposal to raze the

surgeon’s house and the adjacent pergola on

Island Two and construct “a new pavilion for

housing hospital staff ” was partially

implemented.36 The Department of Labor

approved removal of the structures sometime

between 1936 and 1940, however, a new facility

was not built. It is unknown if the adjacent tennis

courts were removed with the house, but they

were no longer extant by 1940. The addition of

sun porches on wards 13-14, 17-18, 19-20, and 23-

24 increased available outdoor space for Island

Three tubercular patients. WPA contractors

completed this work between 1936 and 1939.

Although the committee recommended locating

porches on both the first and second floors, it is

unclear if they were constructed as specified.37

Contractors also added a covered masonry

walkway between the powerhouse on Island One

and the powerhouse on Island Three, replacing

the previous wooden structure. This renovation

established a permanent covered masonry

circulation route between all three islands.38

Landscape projects remained a priority to the end

of the decade. In 1938 the INS budgeted $6,500

for installation or maintenance of “topsoil,

hedges, trees, fertilizer, materials for walks.”39 By

May 1939 WPA designers developed a detailed

landscape plan for the areas surrounding the

hospital buildings on Island Two. This plan called

for a highly ornamental landscape of shrub and

flower beds, reminiscent of the extensive flowers

installed on Island One during Commissioner

William Williams’s tenure. Some of the specified

shrubs included Ilex crenata (Japanese holly),

Pyracantha coccinea (scarlet firethorn), Rosa rugosa

(rugosa rose), and Myrica carolinensis (bayberry),

with annual color provided by blue Petunia x

hybrida (petunia) and mixed colors of Portulaca

grandiflora (moss rose). The plan marked existing

two- to three-inch caliper Populus (poplar trees)

along the ferry basin for relocation. A row of

Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane tree) was

proposed for the edge of the ferry basin and

groupings of Pinus nigra (Austrian pine) were to be

added in the lawn at the island’s southern end on

the former location of the surgeon’s house.

Despite the detail of the design, there is no

documentary evidence it was ever implemented

(see Appendix B).

Implementation of the 1939 Planting Plan

In October 1939 the Office of the Supervising

Architect for the Federal Works Agency’s Public

Buildings Administration developed a

comprehensive planting plan for Ellis Island

addressing all three islands in detail (Figure 5.20).

This plan focused on a large-scale approach,

emphasizing placement of trees and shrub

groupings over the detailed design of small-scale

flower beds. It built upon the various landscape

projects implemented during the previous decade

and reflected the changing use of the facilities,

particularly on Island One. Since the mid-1920s,
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

89 Figure 5.20 The 1939 Planting Plan developed by the 

U. S. Public Buildings Service, Office of the Supervising Architect. (NPS, Denver Service Center,

Technical Information Center, STLI 43968a-0001.tif & 43968a-0001a.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

90

By December 1939 at least six major projects with

landscape components had been completed on

the island with funding and/or labor provided by

the PWA and WPA. The work included “grading

on some of the grounds, removal of old wooden

bulkheads... grading down and filling up sections

of the grounds...distribution of topsoil... making

new lawns,” and work on “yards and grounds.”42

From 1937 to 1939 completion of various

landscape projects added more than seven

hundred cubic yards of topsoil to the island and

seeded more than eight thousand total square

yards of lawn.43

Maintenance of recreation space for both

immigrant detainees and island workers continued

to be an issue during the early 1940s. In 1940 the

U. S. Coast Guard began using the recreation area

northeast of the baggage and dormitory building

and the area northwest of the new immigration

building. The guardsmen intended to construct a

softball diamond, tennis courts, and boxing ring

for recreation. They eventually installed the tennis

courts northwest of the new immigration

building, but not the other facilities. However,

they did install a flagstaff with a concrete base,

inscribed “United States Coast Guard Oct 1940,”

east of the new immigration building. This

suggests the space may have been used for

assembly rather than as a recreation field.44

In 1940 the INS increased security on Island One

with the installation of a double row of chainlink

fencing in front of the main immigration building.

The INS also added a single fence at the rear of

the building and on the east side of the baggage

and dormitory building. A new chainlink baseball

backstop complemented the existing baseball field

in the detention area.45

Throughout the 1940’s war years, detention

remained the primary focus of the immigration

station. The number of detainees on the island

peaked at approximately eight hundred.

Landscape maintenance was not the priority it had

been during past eras, although the INS and U. S.

Coast Guard put some effort into maintaining

trees and other vegetation installed according to

the primary function of the main immigration

building had been as a detention station with

immigration activities taking a secondary role.

The addition of the new immigration building was

intended to shift immigration activities to the

northwest corner of the ferry basin. The main

immigration building would no longer be the focal

point of the island. Its main entrance shifted

from the central doors to the building’s southwest

corner. The 1939 plan, with symmetrical rows of

Platanus occidentalis (American plane tree) along

both sides of the ferry basin’s edge and reduced

size of the large gathering space adjacent to the

main immigration building, enhanced this change

by focusing attention toward the end of the ferry

basin and the new immigration building. Even

though the new immigration building was never

used for its intended purpose and immigration

activities continued to be housed in the main

immigration building, the planting plan did not

change. As work on the landscape continued in

1940, implementation generally followed the 1939

plan as originally designed, although not all

elements of the plan were installed.40

The most significant element of the 1939 planting

plan was the use of two tree species in large

numbers. The design specified Platanus occidentalis

for rows along the lawns on the south and east

sides of the main immigration building, along the

north side of the hospital complex on Island Two,

and along both sides of the recreation space

between Islands Two and Three. The majority of

the trees located on the plan were installed over

the next few years, however, Platanus acerifolia

(London planetree) was used as a substitute in the

field.41 The design specified Quercus palustris (pin

oak) for use around the northwest end of Island

One, around the new immigration building, and in

a regular pattern between the buildings on Island

Three. Many of these trees were planted on

Island Three, but not all of them were installed

around the new immigration building. The design

also specified two shrub species, Ligustrum

amurense (amur privet) and Ligustrum ibota regelianum

(ibota privet), however, it is not clear if these were

installed in the landscape.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

91

the 1939 plan. The detention areas on Island One

were the least aesthetically pleasing locations on all

three islands and even the inclusion of the

baseball field did not help the desolate appearance

of the main yard adjacent to the main

immigration building. A 1942 New York Times

article described the condition as,

bleak and treeless...a pretty dreary

place. It is fenced on the two sides

that lie open to the bay....The other

two sides are shut in by the red brick

walls of the administration building.

The corral thus enclosed is a large

rectangle of made land, as flat as a

floor, with a dust-gray surface and not

a spot of green anywhere....46

Unfortunately, this assessment remained accurate

throughout the remainder of the decade (Figures

5.21 – 5.23).

Figure 5.21 An immigration official

questions detained aliens. Background

details show a guardhouse and chainlink

fence in front of the main immigration

building. October 1940 Coast Guard

photo. (National Archives and Records

Administration, RG26-G-49-13243)

Figure 5.23 Detainees

congregating in the recreation

yard east of the railroad ticket

office. Notice the benches

near the building and trees

along the fence line in the

background. October 1949

Coast Guard photo.

(National Archives and

Records Administration,

RG26-G-49-13233)

Figure 5.22 Recreation yard

south of the main

immigration building with

benches, flagpoles, tables, and

trees. Circa 1947. (STLI

Library, 19.10, #9)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

92

Landscape Changes During the 1950s

On March 1, 1951, the U. S. Public Health Service

closed the hospitals on Islands Two and Three

due to a steady decrease in patient numbers.

However, it maintained a small infirmary on the

island for the detainee population. That same

year, the U. S. Coast Guard returned to the island

and established the Ellis Island Port Security Unit.

It occupied the hospital on Island Two as offices

and crew quarters, altered the administration

building to accommodate a galley and mess hall,

and used a few of the buildings on Island Three

for file storage.

During the early 1950s, the INS and U. S. Coast

Guard focused on maintaining the existing

facilities and landscape, making minimal changes.

There were a few additions added by both groups,

including a 1952 fire protection system with

hydrants on all three islands, additional

guardhouses on Island One, an additional reserve

fuel oil tank on Island One northeast of the

powerhouse, and a small greenhouse on the

southwest side of ward 32 on Island Three.47 The

most noticeable change to the landscape was the

maturation of many trees and shrubs planted

during the previous decade (Figure 5.24).

The main recreation yard on Island One remained

enclosed with a chainlink fence topped with

barbed wire and was for detainee use, weather

permitting. Immigration employees used the

same facilities during their off hours and

lunchtimes. While the aliens were having lunch

indoors, some of the staff would participate in a

game of ball.48 The various activities the detainees

participated in “under the direction of the security

officer in charge [gave] the alien his first

introduction to America.” Popular U. S. team

sports such as softball and baseball were “old

friends to most aliens from the other countries in

this Hemisphere,” but they were considered

strange by European or Asian immigrants who

favored soccer and volleyball.49 Since the late

1940s, an immigration staff softball team played

in a league with the other government agencies,

like the U. S. Post Office, the U. S. Attorney’s

Office, and the Internal Revenue Service, and

other immigration offices. According to INS

employee Joseph Gallo, a few immigrant detainees

maintained the baseball diamond, keeping it in

“tip-top shape.” The detainees were not allowed

to play in the league, however, they often watched

the ball games for entertainment.50

The U. S. Coast Guard maintained the landscape

surrounding the buildings it occupied since there

was no civilian crew to do the work. Each

guardsman had a specific job on the island such as

delivering the mail, doing the laundry, working in

the operations room, monitoring

communications, or maintaining the grounds.51

Additionally, some of the guardsmen who were

Figure 5.24 Maturing

trees along the ferry

basin on Island One.

Circa 1950s. (STLI

Library, 25.1, #18)
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Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

93

Figure 5.25 1954 aerial photo of Ellis Island. (STLI Library, 25.2, #24)

prisoners in the brig often maintained the lawns

on the island.52 According to Charles M.

Allmond, III, who was a U. S. Coast guardsman

stationed at Ellis Island in 1953-1954, the island’s

landscape was well-maintained during this period.

On Island Two there was a lawn bordered with

“rows of sycamore trees...and a large parade

ground behind the U. S. Coast Guard buildings,

which was used for reviews and musters.” Park

benches along the seawall allowed off-duty

guardsmen to “sit and watch the harbor traffic

and get a beautiful view of the New York

skyline.”53 Purchasing records indicate consistent

expenditures made by the U. S. Coast Guard

throughout the 1940s and 1950s supported

landscape improvements and maintenance. There

are numerous entries for purchases of grass seed,

flower bulbs, bedding plants, shrubs, fertilizers,

insecticides, and grounds maintenance equipment,

indicating maintenance of the landscape

continued to be an important consideration on

the island (see Appendix C). The U. S. Coast

Guard also continued to use the tennis courts

near the new immigration building.54

By 1954 both the INS and U. S. Coast Guard

operations on Ellis Island were shut down and the

island was abandoned. The previously wellmaintained landscape quickly became overgrown

with vegetation. Invasive trees like Betula (birch)

and Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) were

introduced to the island by birds or other

methods of seed dispersal and spread rapidly.

This was especially true for Islands Two and

Three and between the baggage and dormitory

building and powerhouse on Island One.55

The 1954 Landscape

Throughout the decades between 1920 and 1954,

Ellis Island’s landscape changed dramatically.

Landfill projects during the 1920s and 1930s

increased the island’s size to twenty-seven and

one-half acres while partial implementation of a

comprehensive plan in later years finally provided

a sense of overall order and continuity in the

landscape. Changes in immigration patterns and

island operations directly influenced how the
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Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

94

landscape evolved and was maintained. Its

appearance at the end of this period began to

reflect the island’s slow decline. Just prior to

abandonment in 1954, officials expressed less

concern for the landscape than they had

previously shown. This landscape, installed and

maintained by the INS and the U. S. Coast Guard

over many years, would soon have no caretaker

and become overgrown and nearly unrecognizable

as a designed landscape. An aerial photograph of

the island in 1954 is shown in Figure 5.25, while

Figure 5.37 provides a 1954 period plan.

The island’s spatial organization changed slightly

during this era. Although building additions

during the 1930s complemented the spatial

organization of the existing structures, maturing

trees created minor changes. They established an

overhead plane that was not present during earlier

periods. Removal of the surgeon’s house and

American Red Cross recreation building created

additional open space on Island Two. Landfill

between Islands Two and Three established two

large land masses out of the former three islands,

and landfill added with the construction of the

new immigration building provided additional

open space to the island’s north side.

Military land use returned during World War II

and later U.S. Coast Guard occupation of parts of

the island. Upon closure of the immigration

station, active island land use ceased. All prior

uses, including institutional, residential, and

military, ended when the island was abandoned.

The existing topography on all three islands

remained consistently flat throughout this period.

The addition of landfill between Islands Two and

Three, and at other locations on Island One,

increased the island’s overall size and altered the

topography of the bay floor where fill was added.

The elevation of the original island averaged sea

level at the shoreline to a high point of five feet.

Upon completion of the seawall and the addition

of the final landfill, the elevation averaged seven

feet at the seawall to a high point of eleven feet.56

Thus, the average change in the island’s elevation

remained relatively consistent at approximately

four to five feet.

Figure 5.26 Wooden and chainlink fencing restricted

island access and changed circulation patterns during

the 1950s. This image of the detainee recreation yards

on Island One was taken approximately four years after

the island’s closure. (Area in Front of Main Building,

Shirley Burden, Circa 1958, Museum of the City of

New York, 88.85.1.13)

By 1954 a system of exterior and interior

walkways provided circulation routes between all

three islands. The landfill between Islands Two

and Three improved circulation between the two

islands by connecting them with a continuous

landmass. Prior to the landfill, the only

connection between the two islands was the

connecting walkway at the northern end of the

islands. Additionally, the creation of a formally

designed walkway system enhanced this newly

created recreation space. The installation of

fencing around the main immigration building to

enclose detainee recreation yards and other

locations altered circulation on the island by

restricting access (Figure 5.26). After the island

was abandoned, circulation by boat traffic was

eliminated.

Thirty-four major buildings remained on Ellis

Island in 1954, many in a state of disrepair.

Located on Island One were the main

immigration building (1900), kitchen and laundry

building (1901), powerhouse (1901), baggage and

dormitory building (1909), bakery and carpentry

shop (1915), incinerator (1911), new greenhouse
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

95

(1934), and recreation shelter (1937). The original

greenhouse had been removed. A new ferry

building (1936) and new immigration building

(1936) constructed on landfill between Islands

One and Two replaced the old ferry house. On

Island Two, the main hospital building (1901),

hospital outbuilding (1901), psychopathic ward

(1907), administration building (1907), and new

hospital extension (1909) remained. The

surgeon’s house and American Red Cross

recreation building had been removed. A new

recreation building (1937) and recreation shelter

(1937) stood between Islands Two and Three.

Extant buildings on Island Three included an

administration building (1907), powerhouse

(1907), kitchen (1907), staff house (1908), animal

house (1908), nurses’ quarters (1909), and eleven

hospital ward buildings (1907-1909).

Other extant structures included four guardhouses

around the detainee recreation yard (Figure 5.27),

a sand and gravel box and debris box adjacent to

the greenhouse, and two water tanks and one oil

tank southeast of the powerhouse on Island One.

The ferry slip, along with the moored ferryboat

Ellis Island, remained in the ferry basin. On Island

Three a small greenhouse (circa 1950) was

adjacent to wards 31-32, and a storage shed and

small oil tank stood near the kitchen. The

concrete and granite seawall, completed during

this era, enclosed the entire island.

When the island was abandoned, a large amount

of vegetation covered all three islands, most of it

dating to the 1939 planting plan. Rows of Platanus

acerifolia remained along both sides of the ferry

basin and along the recreation grounds between

Islands Two and Three. A row of these trees also

grew along the southwest edge of Island Three

with additional tree species scattered between the

hospital wards. The Gibbet Tree was no longer

extant on Island One. The extensive flower beds

from earlier periods were gone, and turfgrass

covered the majority of the island. With the

absence of maintenance, lawns soon became

unkempt and overgrown and volunteer trees took

root along fence lines, especially southeast of the

main immigration building (Figure 5.28). The

main greenhouse on Island One remained, but the

reduction in ornamental plantings left it

Figure 5.28 After the island’s closure, vegetation

started to become overgrown from lack of

maintenance. The open lawns, like this central open

space between Islands Two and Three, soon filled with

mature grasses and shrubby growth. (Ellis Island,

Hospital Wings, Shirley Burden, Circa 1958, Museum of

the City of New York, 88.85.1.12)

Figure 5.27 Detail of guardhouse in the Island One

recreation yard. (Ellis Island, Recreation Area in Front of

Main Building, Shirley Burden, Circa 1958, Museum of

the City of New York, 88.85.1.14)

infrequently used. The presence of the small

greenhouse on Island Three, along with purchase

records for seeds, fertilizer, bulbs, and other

gardening supplies from 1943 to 1952, indicate

that at least parts of the landscape were

maintained until the island was abandoned in

1954.57

The addition of buildings and the maturation of

vegetation continued to alter views and vistas

slightly during this period. Views from the island
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

96

edges across the harbor remained relatively

consistent with earlier periods, with Manhattan

providing the predominant view shed to the

northeast, the Statue of Liberty to the south, and

the New Jersey coastline to the northwest.

Numerous small-scale features were extant in

1954. There were several circa 1945 crook-neck

lights attached to the chainlink fence near the

main immigration building (Figure 5.29).58 In the

recreation area between Islands Two and Three,

circa 1935 Beaux Arts lamps with eight-foot

octagonal posts were present (Figure 5.30). All

circa 1902 lamp posts had been removed from the

island. The fog bell occupied the eastern corner

of Island Two, housed in a wooden tower

constructed circa 1940, and a pilot light was

located directly across the ferry basin on the

corner of Island One (Figures 5.31 - 5.32).

Several 1952 fire hydrants remained on Islands

One and between Islands Two and Three. The

circa 1920 iron mooring cleats lined both sides of

the ferry basin and several other docking locations

on the island. Several manhole covers were

present. Some of these may have dated to

construction of the original immigration station.

Cast concrete downspout splash guards remained

from the 1940s around several of the buildings on

Islands Two and Three (Figure 5.33). Three

flagstaffs remained – on the southeast point of

Island One, on the southeast end of Island Two,

and east of the new ferry building.

Figure 5.30 Detail of a

Beaux Arts light with an

octagonal concrete post

on Island Two. (Ellis

Island, Walkway, Shirley

Burden, Circa 1958,

Museum of the City of

New York, 88.85.1.42)

Figure 5.29 Detail of

crook-neck light post and

chainlink fencing on

Island One. (Ellis Island,

Untitled, Shirley Burden,

Circa 1958, Museum of

the City of New York,

88.85.1.15)

Figure 5.31 Construction details for the wooden fog

bell tower on Island Two. September 5, 1940. (NPS,

Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center,

STLI 43987-0001.tif)

Figure 5.32 A view of the southeast corner of Island Two from Island One shows the fog bell in its wooden

tower, constructed here circa 1940. Also shown are young trees and iron mooring cleats along the seawall. Circa

1950. (STLI Library, 19.6, #25)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

97

Four bench styles were extant on the island. The

first style, near the railroad ticket office in the

recreation yard, was cast iron with one-inch-byfour-inch wooden slats and dated to circa 1904

(Figure 5.34). The second style, used on the north

side of the baggage and dormitory building, had

bent-steel supports on seven-foot centers and

wooden slats. The third, west of the new

immigration building, had perforated cast-iron

supports and wooden slats. An example of the

fourth bench style was located on the northwest

corner of Island Two and consisted of simple

steel supports and wooden slats. Wooden picnic

tables were also scattered around the recreation

yard on Island One (Figure 5.35).59

Sections of chainlink fencing from the late 1940s

stood at various island locations, including near

the main immigration building, baggage and

dormitory building, powerhouse, new immigration

building, and around detainee recreation yards on

Figure 5.34 Detail

of cast-iron/

wooden bench and

wooden fencing in

the recreation yard

on Island One.

(Ellis Island,

Recreation Area in

Front of Main

Building, Shirley

Burden, Circa 1958,

Museum of the City

of New York,

88.85.1.14)

Figure 5.35 Detail

of wooden picnic

table and chainlink

fencing in the

recreation yard on

Island One. (Ellis

Island, Untitled,

Shirley Burden,

Circa 1958, Museum

of the City of New

York, 88.85.1.15)

Figure 5.36 The INS added this fence in the 1940s

west of the new immigration building around the site

of the former tennis courts. It remained in place until

the 1970s. (BOSO Engineering Files, 1978)

Figure 5.33 Design for concrete splash installed with

downspouts on Island Three in the 1940s. July 1939.

(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information

Center, STLI 43938-0001.tif)

Islands One and Three (Figure 5.36). A wooden

fence and the chainlink baseball backstop were

also present in the recreation yard on Island One.

An eight-foot-high brick wall, present between the

bakery and carpentry shop and the seawall, was a

circa 1937 feature used to separate detainee

classes.60
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

98

Endnotes for Chapter 5

1 New York Times, December 24, 1923 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 8); NPS

Denver Service Center drawing 43958-0001.tif.

2

 The Department of Labor contracted for the

construction of the two pavilions, as described later in

the text. It developed plans for a kindergarten

building, but it was never built. (NPS Denver Service

Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43958-

0001.tif)

3 New York Times, January 24, 1924 (STLI Library,

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Vol. 8).

4

 William Bean and his brother Howard Bean lived on

Island Three when their father was Executive Officer

at the Marine Hospital. Howard Carlisle Bean and

William Smith Bean, Interview by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr.,

Tape Recording, Ellis Island Recording Studio, April

20, 1994, Transcribed by John Muriello, May 1996

(STLI Library, EI-463); Archeological Resources, p. 73.

5 New York Times, December 23, 1924, as cited in

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 168.

6 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 7, 396.

7

 The existing pergola columns were replaced with

new columns, twelve inches in diameter, nine feet fiveeighths inches tall, and constructed of two-inch-thick

white pine with caps and bases. Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, p. 472.

8

Ibid., p. 333; Archeological Resources, p. 68; National

Park Service, “Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Ellis

Island, Statue of Liberty National Monument,” 2001.

9

 The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a

federal work program set up under President Franklin

D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1933 to aid in the United

States’ economic recovery after the Great Depression.

The PWA was “authorized to supervise the

construction of roads, public buildings, and other

projects in order to increase employment and to prime

the nation’s economic pumps.” The Works Progress

Administration (WPA) was a similar federal program

set up under the New Deal in 1935. The WPA not

only employed workers on construction projects, but

also employed thousands of workers in the arts and

humanities. In 1939 the program later became known

as the Works Projects Administration. Arthur M.

Schlesinger, Jr., The Almanac of American History (New

York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons), 1983, pp. 464, 468.

10 Edward Corsi, In the Shadow of Liberty (New York:

Macmillan Company), 1935, pp. 310, 314.

11 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 7;

“Specifications for Fence Around Recreation

Grounds, Island No. 1,” U. S. Department of Labor,

Immigration Service, Ellis Island, New York, File

98529/398, and “Standard Government Form of

Invitation for Bids (National Archives, New York City,

Record Group 79, Box 2, Folder 38).

12 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 589.

13 Ibid., pp. 344-348.

14 “Remodeling of Immigration Station,” March 4,

1935, NPS DSC digitized map 41999z5-0119.tif.

15 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 582-583.

Waste handling on the island consisted of a processing

operation in which metals were separated and sold for

scrap, and wood, paper, and other garbage was burned

in the incinerators. Cans that could not be sold were

collected and crushed into cubes. Ashes from the

incinerators and coal stoves, masonry rubbish, and

crushed cans were stored in the thirty-five-square-foot

debris box next to the greenhouse on Island One.

The bin was approximately six feet deep and was

surrounded by a low wooden fence. When the bin

was full, bids were taken for a contractor to remove

the accumulated waste from the island. A five

hundred-yard load was typically removed once a year

and dumped at sea at a cost of approximately one

thousand dollars. Archeological Resources, p. 82.

16 Material from foundation excavations for this

structure was deposited as part of the fill between

Islands Two and Three. Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, pp. 473-474; “Specifications for

Replacing Vacuum Pumps, Island No. 2,” November

18, 1930 (National Archives, Record Group 85, Entry

9, Box 465, File 55652).

17 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 484.

18 Keepers of the Gate: A History of Ellis Island, p. 164;

19 “Report of the Subcommittee on Buildings,

Grounds, and Physical Equipment for Ellis Island,”

September 13, 1933 (National Archives, New York

City, Record Group 79, Box 16, Folder 330).

20 The new structure was consistently called the “new

ferry building” or “ferry building” in later plans and

documentation, rather than “ferry house,” which had

been used for the previous structure. Throughout this

report, “new ferry building” will be used to identify

the structure built in 1934-1935. Historic Structure

Report...Historical Data, pp. 578-579.

21 Ibid., pp. 594-596; Historic Structure Report, The Main

Building, p. 73.

22 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 596-597.

23 “Remodeling of Immigration Station,” March 4,

1935, NPS DSC digitized map 41999z5-0119.tif;

Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 590-592.

24 Federal Project No. 61 was a combination of three

earlier proposals, Federal Project No. 57 ($475,000),

Federal Project No. 58 ($40,000), and Federal Project

No. 60 ($34,000). The total combined dollar figure did
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

99

not change. Harold L. Ickes, Federal Emergency

Administrator of Public Works, Washington, DC to

The Secretary of Labor, November 18, 1933 (National

Archives, New York City, Record Group 79, Box 16,

Folder 330).

25 “Sea Wall Grading, Etc.,” December 12, 1934

(National Archives, New York City, Record Group 79,

Box 9, Folder 203).

26 W. H. Wagner to District Commissioner of

Immigration and Naturalization, August 27, 1935

(National Archives, New York City, Record Group 79,

Box 16, Folder 330).

27 Limited WPA planting records, including invoices

and planting lists, are contained at the National

Archives, Washington, DC. However, these were not

discovered until the end of this CLR project, and their

content was not reviewed in the completion of this

report. They may be of interest to future researchers.

Record Group 85-58A734, Box 922, 55912/642 (Stack

area 17W3, Row 9, Compartment 14, Shelf 1); Record

Group 85-58A734, Box 1105, 55938/903 (Stack area

17W3, Row 9, Compartment 24, Shelf 2).

28 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 598-599;

Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 73.

29 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 599.

30 “Invitation, Bid, and Acceptance, U. S. Standard

Form 33,” August 30, 1937 (National Archives, New

York City, Record Group 79, Box 10, Folder 222).

31 An additional concrete walk was proposed from the

flagstaff, along the seawall, to the main walk at the

ferry basin. It is doubtful this extension was

constructed, as no evidence of this walk appeared

during seawall reconstruction at this area in 1975.

32 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 187;

Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 63, 84.

33 Beatrice Cohen Conan, Interview by Paul E. Sigrist,

Jr., Tape Recording, Ellis Island Recording Studio, July

25, 1995, Transcribed by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr., November

1998 (STLI Library, EI-646).

34 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, pp. 7, 407-

413.

35 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 73.

36 Historic Structure Report...Historical Data, p. 491.

37 Ibid., pp. 565, 568.

38 Ibid.

39 Miscellaneous Note, 1938 (National Archives, New

York City, Record Group 79, Box 16, Folder 324).

40 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 73.

41 Platanus acerifolia was typically planted around New

York City during this era at Liberty Island, Battery

Park, and in similar urban settings. “Cultural

Landscapes Inventory.”

42 Memo, December 15, 1939 (National Archives, New

York City, Record Group 79, Box 16, Folder 331).

43 Memo, unsigned, October 31, 1939 (National

Archives, New York City, Record Group 79, Box 16,

Folder 331).

44 Archeological Resources, p. 74.

45 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 65.

46 New York Times Magazine, January 25, 1942, as cited

in Archeological Resources, p. 75.

47 Archeological Resources, pp. 81-82. No documentation

has been found regarding the addition of the

greenhouse, although it does appear in historic photos

from the 1950s.

48 Louis Kaye, Interview by Margo Nash, Tape

Recording, Location unknown, November 14, 1973,

Transcribed by Charlene Keylor, April 1979,

Reconceived by Meg Maher, February 1995 (STLI

Library, NPS-29).

49 History of Ellis Island, 1952, p. 4.

50 Joseph Gallo, Interview by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr., Tape

Recording, Ellis Island Recording Studio, June 18,

1993, Transcribed by Nancy Vega, May 1994 (STLI

Library, EI-335).

51 Ralph Hornberger, Interview by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr.,

Tape Recording, Langhorn, Pennsylvania, April 24,

1991, Transcribed by Nancy Vega, May 1993 (STLI

Library, EI-040).

52 Richard Miller and Robert Iles, Interview by Paul E.

Sigrist, Jr. and Brian Feeney, Tape Recording, Ellis

Island Recording Studio, September 4, 1991,

Transcribed by Nancy Vega, May 1993 (STLI Library,

EI-085).

53 Charles M. Allmond, III, Interview by Serena

Rinker, Tape Recording, Ellis Island, August 7, 1983,

Transcribed by Lydia Hanhardt, June 1995 (STLI

Library, NPS-140).

54 Ralph Hornberger, Interview by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr.,

Tape Recording, Langhorn, Pennsylvania, April 24,

1991, Transcribed by Nancy Vega, May 1993 (STLI

Library, EI-040).

55 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, p. 67.

56 John F. Pousson, An Overview and Assessment of

Archeological Resources on Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty

National Monument, New York (Rockville, Maryland:

United States Department of Interior, National Park

Service, Denver Service Center, Eastern Team, 1986),

p. 5.

57 “Ellis Island Records, Supplies: Materials Received,

1943-1945; 1946-1948; 1948-1950; 1950-1952,”

National Archives and Records Administration, New

York City, Record Group 79, Box 13, Folders 278-280.

58 A detailed plan for placement of the perimeter

fencing and crook-neck lighting on Island One is
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 5: Second Immigration Station - Detention Facilities (Circa 1920 - 1954)

100

located in park archives. NPS, Denver Service Center,

Technical Information Center, STLI 43967-0040.tif.

59 Bench information was partially taken from the

1983-1984 existing conditions survey (Appendix C).

Since the majority of the island’s features remained

untouched after the island’s abandonment, it is likely

that remnant benches present in 1984 were also

present in 1954.

60 See note 58 above.
101

103

CHAPTER 6: POSTIMMIGRATION

PERIOD (1954 – PRESENT)

The postimmigration period from 1954 to the

present brought another dramatic change to the

island’s land use and its landscape. The

designation of Ellis Island as a national park in

1965 stimulated National Park Service (NPS)

planners to develop numerous rehabilitation

options for the island. However, most of these

plans called for the loss of historic fabric,

including buildings and landscape features. The

NPS delayed island development several years for

numerous reasons, including limited funding and

public support for any of the proposed actions.

When the NPS finally began work on the island in

the 1970s, the primary focus was rehabilitation of

the main immigration building and its surrounding

landscape for visitor use. With the opening of the

Ellis Island Immigration Museum in 1990, the

NPS added interpretation and commemoration as

new land uses for the island. The focus since then

has been to develop and maintain the buildings

and landscape in a manner that preserves the site’s

significance while providing the services required

and expected by the visiting public. Continued

planning into the twenty-first century emphasizes

this direction by exploring adaptive reuse of the

stabilized buildings and landscape features in a

manner that is compatible with the island’s

historic integrity and character.

Early National Park Service Planning

Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, the

General Services Administration (GSA) tried

unsuccessfully to dispose of Ellis Island by

soliciting proposals for reuse and/or

redevelopment of the site. Finally, on May 11,

1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed

Proclamation 3656 adding Ellis Island to the

national park system and securing the island’s

future as a historic property. The NPS began

planning to address the complex issues involved in

the preservation and/or rehabilitation of the

island’s facilities. Several plans emerged over the

ensuing years addressing pertinent issues such as

whether to preserve or demolish existing

structures, what amenities should be provided for

the anticipated visiting public, and the overall

vision for the future use and development of the

island.

In 1966 Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall

appointed New York architect Philip Johnson to

oversee redevelopment of the island. Since the

site had been essentially abandoned for a decade, a

lack of maintenance had taken its toll on the

facilities. With heat and utilities shut down for

some time, leaky roofs and damp conditions led

to quick deterioration of the buildings’ interiors.

The island was plundered by “harbor pirates” who

managed “to sneak ashore and carry off chairs,

desks, metal piling and anything else that was

portable,” while vandals defaced or destroyed

features that could not be easily removed.1 The

seawall cracked and failed in various locations, and

vegetation continued to grow unchecked

throughout the island. Johnson took the decaying

state of the facilities into account and developed a

proposal in which the main immigration building,

kitchen and laundry building, and hospital

complex on Island Two were preserved as ruins

and “vines would be encouraged to grow around

and through the buildings...creating a sense of

nostalgia.”2 All other facilities, including the

hospital wards on Island Three, the extant

landscape features, and historic vegetation, were

to be removed. Johnson recommended extensive

new tree plantings for the areas surrounding the

remaining buildings in an effort to create a more

traditional parklike setting. Proposed new

facilities included a pavilion, restaurant, and large

memorial to immigrants tentatively called “The

Wall of the Sixteen Million.” The plan received

mixed reviews from the public and the NPS

determined its completion would likely exceed the

funds appropriated for the island’s rehabilitation.

As a result, Johnson’s plan was never implemented

(Figures 6.1 – 6.2).

The facilities continued to deteriorate, however,

and something had to be done if any of the

island’s important features were to be saved.

Consequently, a NPS planning team of architects,

landscape architects, museum technicians, and
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

104Figure 6.1 Philip Johnson plan developed for the rehabilitation of Ellis Island, 1966. (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 41999- 0006.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

105

Figure 6.2 Elevation of Philip Johnson’s proposed “Wall of the Sixteen Million,” 1966. The wall was to have

been installed on the southern end of Island Three. (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center,

STLI 41999-0012.tif)

historians convened in 1968 to develop a master

plan. Although NPS management stressed the

Johnson plan should not influence the study, the

resulting 1968 Master Plan retained some of the

same components as the earlier plan (Figure 6.3).

The 1968 Master Plan emphasized the

rehabilitation of the main immigration building at

the expense of other resources on the island. It

expanded on the earlier ideas of enhancing the

island’s parklike appearance by calling for the

removal of nearly all extant buildings and

landscape features to allow for the creation of

numerous public use areas, including a memorial

plaza, picnic areas, and an open space for

“immigrant celebrations.”3 The plan provided for

rehabilitation of previously landscaped areas in

front of the main immigration building to create

an appropriate setting for the structure. Proposed

additions to the landscape included a greenhouse,

maintenance facility, and residential structures on

the northwestern corner of Island One, all “well

screened from visitor use areas.”4 The changes to

Islands Two and Three were more substantial,

since all existing buildings and features were slated

for removal. Proposed additions included a

promenade around the islands, “a raised,

informally landscaped area” providing space for

“viewing the harbor, lunching, and strolling,” and

“a central open space” for folk dancing and other

activities.5 Other suggested additions included a

pavilion, portable stage, band shell, and

concession area. The area adjacent to the new

immigration building was to be a transition zone

between the contemplative area on Island One

and the active areas on Islands Two and Three.

This zone included the rehabilitated ferryboat

Ellis Island; a sculpture garden, plaza, and

reflecting pool highlighting immigrants’

contributions to the country; and a transportation

hub for connections to Liberty State Park and

Manhattan.

Realizing that full implementation of the 1968

Master Plan would take several years, and

believing Ellis Island was “too important

historically to continue to lie unused,” the

planners developed an interim plan for

“controlled use by limited numbers of visitors.”6

This plan provided visitor access to Island One by

ferry and participation in a short interpretive

program in the examination room of the main

immigration building, including interpretive

displays, a film, and a chance to “stroll to the

northeast corner of the island and enjoy the

spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline.” 7

Access to the rest of the island would be

restricted. The requirements to implement the

interim plan were minimal and included

rehabilitation of the ferry basin seawall, a

structural inspection and cleanup of the main

immigration building to ensure visitor safety,

negotiation of a concession contract for ferry
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

106Figure 6.3 The National Park Service 1968 Master Plan for Ellis Island was similar to the earlier Johnson plan in that it called for the removal of many historic structures and landscape features in order to develop a more open parklike setting emphasizing interpretation and recreation. (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical

Information Center, STLI 40000-0001.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

107

service, and the installation of temporary

restrooms. Planners intended to proceed with

implementation of the 1968 Master Plan after the

interim public access and interpretation program

were in place.

However, funding and public support for

implementing the 1968 Master Plan were scarce.

Consequently, the plan was shelved and

implementation of the access and interpretation

program was placed on indefinite hold. With no

visitation and little agency support, the condition

of the facilities continued to decline. Facilities

continued to deteriorate and unchecked vegetation

engulfed the buildings and features. Some plant

Figure 6.4 This late 1960s

photo of the ferry basin

taken from the roof of the

main immigration building

shows the deteriorating ferry

boat prior to its sinking.

(STLI Library, 26.9, #32)

Figure 6.6 By the mid-1970s, the main immigration

building was nearly obscured by overgrown vegetation.

October 1973. (STLI Library, 26.7, #4)

Figure 6.5 During the early 1970s, much of the island

remained in a derelict state, as illustrated by this

deteriorated section of seawall and walkway along the

north side of the ferry basin on Island One. October

1973. (STLI Library, 26.7, #2)

specimens remained from the implementation of

the 1939 planting plan while new invasive species

arrived on the island from seeds dispersed by

birds and/or other means. One of the most

blatant examples of the site’s deterioration

occurred in 1968 when the ferryboat Ellis Island

sank at her berth in the ferry basin between

Islands One and Two (Figures 6.4 – 6.6).8

Opening the Island to the Public

It was not until the mid-1970s, when the NPS put

parts of the interim plan into place and made

preparations to open the main immigration
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

108 Figure 6.7 This plan of proposed seawall repairs identifies major areas of seawall deterioration. 1977. (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 81420-0002.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

109

building for visitation on a limited basis, that any

work or maintenance on the landscape occurred.

During this time NPS crews cleared invasive trees,

shrubs, and vines from the area immediately

surrounding the main immigration building and

the ferry landing and maintained these sites to

allow visitor access. A wooden post and pipe rail

fence installed along the ferry slip assisted with

crowd control.

In 1976 the NPS continued making improvements

and completed several projects. Contractors

dredged the ferry basin, constructed a new dock,

and began stabilizing deteriorating sections of the

seawall (Figure 6.7). Workers removed forty

thousand bags of debris from Island One as part

of a general cleanup of the grounds and buildings.

The main water lines between the island and

Jersey City were improved and the sewage

treatment system was upgraded with construction

of new septic tanks and a leach field on the

Figure 6.8 By April 1978 overgrown vegetation had been cleared from Island One and initial facility

improvements allowed limited visitation. However, Islands Two and Three continued to remain in an abandoned

state and off-limits to visitors. (Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Historic American

Buildings Survey, HABS, NY, 31-ELLIS, 1-3 [Jack E. Boucher, NY-6086-3])

northwest edge of Island One, between the

bakery and carpentry shop and the new

immigration building.9 Visitors began coming to

Island One in 1976, but Islands Two and Three

remained closed. Although many of the original

plantings from the 1940s remained, including the

original Platanus acerifolia, the NPS undertook

minimal vegetation management on these

islands.10 A limit of one hundred thirty persons

per tour capped yearly visitation to Ellis Island to

less than seventy-five thousand

(Figure 6.8).11

In 1980 the NPS let a contract to begin extensive

masonry repairs to the main immigration building,

which would continue throughout the decade. In

1984 it awarded a contract to the Ehrenkrantz

Group for the completion of a comprehensive

rehabilitation of the interior and exterior of the

building. This project soon became the costliest

renovation of a historic structure in United States’
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

110

Figure 6.12 The

water towers on

Island One prior to

their demolition.

The new ferry

building is visible

through the

supports of the

tower on the left.

May 1985. (Library

of Congress, Prints

and Photographs

Division, HABS,

NY, 31-ELLIS, 1H1 [Jack E. Boucher,

NY-6086-H-1])

Figure 6.11 The greenhouse on Island One prior to

its demolition. The recreation shelter is shown in the

right background. March 1985. (Library of Congress,

Prints and Photographs Division, HABS, NY, 31-

ELLIS, 1A-1 [Stephen Zane, NY-6086-A-1])

Figure 6.10 The incinerator on Island One prior to its

demolition. March 1985. (Library of Congress, Prints

and Photographs Division, HABS, 31-ELLIS, 1B-2

[Stephen Zane, NY-6086-B-2])

Figure 6.13 Visitors arrive at

the Ellis Island Immigration

Museum in the renovated

main immigration building.

1990. (BOSO Engineering

Files)

Figure 6.9 A 1999 view of Ellis Island from Liberty

State Park shows the 1984 temporary bridge.

(“Cultural Landscapes Inventory”)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

111

history. Rehabilitation plans included proposed

alterations to the landscape, so in 1983, the

architectural firm of Beyer Blinder Belle initiated a

field survey of existing landscape conditions for

inclusion in a historic structure report for the

main immigration building (see Appendix C).

Subsequent landscape alteration included the

creation of a terraced outdoor concession area on

the southeast end of the building. Contractors

raised the existing grade to allow universal access

to this terrace from within the building. They also

added a new entry portico on the south facade of

the building, which was reminiscent of the style

of the original 1901 glazed porch and portico.

The construction of this feature necessitated

additional landscape changes including alteration

of the walkway, installation of planting areas in

the walks on either side of the portico, and the

reestablishment of lawn under the extant trees

between the building and ferry basin. 12

Additional contractors completed work on various

other island structures during the 1980s and early

1990s. The powerhouse on Island One was

renovated and park offices were established in the

hospital administration building on Island Two.

In 1984 the NPS contracted for the construction

of a temporary bridge between the New Jersey

shore and the island to facilitate the extensive

renovations and provide easy access for

construction crews and equipment (Figure 6.9).

In 1985 the incinerator, greenhouse, and two

original water towers remained on Island One,

although all had deteriorated beyond repair. The

NPS documented these structures and razed them

(Figures 6.10 - 6.12). Soon after, contractors

reconstructed a new water tower in the same

vicinity as the originals and repaired various

sections of the seawall. By 1990 most of the

renovations were complete, and the main

immigration building opened to the public as the

Ellis Island Immigration Museum (Figure 6.13).13

In 1989-1990, the NPS designated an area north

and east of the main immigration building, the

location of the former detainee recreation yard, as

a memorial space to erect a Wall of Honor. The

initial memorial consisted of copper panels

engraved with the names of donors to the Statue

of Liberty / Ellis Island Foundation attached to

the top of the seawall. However, the horizontal

panels became routinely covered with sea bird

guano, making them hard to read and requiring

frequent cleaning. In 1993 contractors removed

these panels and began construction of a new

Wall of Honor. They constructed phase one of

this project as a circular wall of stainless-steel

panels, located east of the outdoor concession

area and main immigration building. Phase two

added a row of linear panels nearby in 1998-

2001.14 During the construction of the Wall of

Honor, NPS archeologists excavated in the area,

uncovering some of the original Fort Gibson

walls. Upon completion of the excavation, a

section of the fort’s wall remained exposed for

interpretive purposes (Figures 6.14 - 6.15).

Figure 6.14 The circular Wall of Honor and Fort

Gibson excavation occupies the southeast corner of

Island One adjacent to the main immigration building.

1999. (“Cultural Landscapes Inventory”)

Figure 6.15 The linear addition to the Wall of Honor

was completed in 2001. The main immigration

building is in the background. August 2002. (Photo by

author)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

112

Figure 6.16 In 1999 this courtyard on Island Three,

like the majority of the island, contained overgrown,

mostly volunteer vegetation. (“Cultural Landscapes

Inventory”)

Figure 6.17 After vegetation clearing, crews installed

landscape fabric to deter vegetation from resprouting

in the courtyard areas. This recently cleared space is

between the nurses’ quarters and wards 11 & 12 on

Island Three. August 2002. (Photo by author)

The landscape on Islands Two and Three

remained overgrown and was not consistently

maintained throughout the late 1980s and early

1990s, especially in areas not easily viewed by the

visiting public. In 1999 the NPS initiated

development of a Cultural Landscapes Inventory

(CLI) for Ellis Island. The Olmsted Center for

Landscape Preservation completed the CLI in

2001. The inventory provided a brief history of

the island’s development, a preliminary analysis of

its significance and integrity, a listing of the

character-defining landscape features, and an

evaluation of the island’s existing conditions. Site

investigations identified remaining historic

vegetation dating to the implementation of the

1939 planting plan. In preparation for building

stabilization on Islands Two and Three, the NPS

supervised removal of nonhistoric vegetation

during an extensive project completed by

prisoners from the New Jersey prison system.

The park sponsored additional clearing projects

during the next two summers, and most

overgrown vegetation was cleared from Islands

Two and Three by fall 2002 (Figures 6.16 - 6.17).15

The 2002 Landscape: Existing Conditions

From 1954 to the present, the Ellis Island

landscape continued to evolve as it had

throughout the preceding historic periods. The

island’s vegetation became wild and overgrown

when the station was abandoned, but other

features like walkways on Islands Two and Three

remained relatively unchanged. With interest in

island preservation and subsequent construction

projects in the 1970s and 1980s, portions of the

landscape on Island One were modified for new

uses while Islands Two and Three remained

untouched. During the past decade, the NPS has

recognized the importance of landscape resources

in overall island rehabilitation, and their planning

efforts are more comprehensively addressing the

island’s cultural landscape. The landscape’s

current condition reflects this change in approach.

The island’s 2002 existing conditions are described

below and graphically illustrated in Figure 6.40.

The spatial organization developed over the

immigration station’s one hundred year history

still remains, even though the patterns of land use

have changed. No longer are immigration,

military, or residential uses present on the island.

Commemoration and interpretation are now the

primary uses for Island One, where the Ellis

Island Immigration Museum, NPS administrative

offices, and maintenance facilities are located.

The spatial organization of Island One was not

altered during structural and landscape

rehabilitation in the 1980s. On Islands Two and

Three, the current primary land use is

preservation. The on-going stabilization and

limited rehabilitation of the facilities and

landscape on these islands reinforces this use and

continues to preserve the established spatial

organization as well. Defining spatial
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

113

characteristics on all three islands include linear

building placement, open lawn areas, small

courtyards between the various buildings, linear

tree plantings, and geometric circulation patterns.

The island’s topographic characteristics remain

relatively unchanged. The deterioration of the

seawall throughout the early years of the island’s

abandonment led to the development of

sinkholes in the landscape adjacent to the

shoreline. However, most of these were repaired

during various seawall rehabilitation projects.

Some sinkholes still exist on Islands Two and

Three, where rehabilitation efforts are not as

advanced (Figure 6.18). Minor changes in the

topography of Island One occurred with the

construction of a grassy knoll within the circular

Wall of Honor, and the creation of a depressed

area when parts of Fort Gibson were excavated

and preserved as ruins for archeological

interpretation. However, the predominant

topographic quality of all three islands is the flat

and level ground plane, much as it has been

throughout the island’s history.

Ellis Island’s circulation systems are altered from

their 1954 conditions. Island One has many

elements of the historic walkway system with an

overlay of contemporary improvements and

upgrades. The area in front of the main

immigration building retains a geometric pattern

of concrete walkways emphasized by formal

plantings. The construction of the new portico

created six small planting areas within the

walkways, three on each side, and added an

accessible entry into the main immigration

building (Figure 6.19). Construction of the Wall

of Honor and concession terrace added new

walkways and an accessible entry to the southeast

end of the main immigration building. Walkways

on Islands Two and Three remain intact but are in

extremely poor condition from nearly fifty years

of neglect. Parts of the covered walkway system

on Island One are rehabilitated, but covered

walkways on Islands Two and Three continue to

deteriorate. Access to the island by boat has

resumed, however, the historic ferry slip is no

Figure 6.18 Some sinkholes continue to exist along

the seawall, including this section on the south side of

Island Two. August 2002. (Photo by author)

Figure 6.19 The

addition of the

contemporary

portico added an

accessible ramp to

the entry of the

main immigration

building. 1999.

(“Cultural

Landscapes

Inventory”)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

114

dormitory building (1909) and recreation shelter

(1937) have not been renovated. Between Islands

One and Two, the new ferry building (1936) has

had exterior restoration and internal stabilization,

but the new immigration building (1936) remains

abandoned and untouched. On Island Two, all

extant buildings are stabilized, including the main

hospital building (1901), psychopathic ward

(1907), administration building (1907), new

hospital extension (1909), and recreation shelter

(1937). Additionally, the hospital outbuilding

(1901) has had exterior restoration and interior

stabilization. The recreation building (1937) is

stabilized and currently serves as a museum

storage facility for NPS collections. On Island

Three, all buildings have been stabilized, including

the administration building (1907), powerhouse

(1907), kitchen (1907), animal house (1908), staff

house (1908), nurses’ quarters (1909), and eleven

hospital ward buildings (1907-1909). The small

greenhouse (circa 1950) on Island Three is no

Figure 6.20 Staff boat

docking at the old coal wharf

on Island One. 1999.

(“Cultural Landscapes

Inventory”)

Figure 6.21 Remains of the

historic ferry slip and a small

floating dock used by U. S.

Park Police boats. August

2002. (Photo by author)

longer used. Visitors arrive by boat, landing at the

seawall directly in front of the main immigration

building and disembark onto one of the ferry

ramps built into the sidewalk. Staff boats land in

this location as well as at the old coal wharf

adjacent to the powerhouse, and a small floating

dock on the northwest corner of the ferry basin

accommodates U. S. Park Police boats (Figures

6.20 - 6.21). The addition of the bridge to Liberty

State Park and a gravel parking area between the

new immigration building and the powerhouse

added vehicular circulation to the island.

Thirty-two historic buildings remain on Ellis

Island in varying states of rehabilitation,

stabilization, or abandonment. On Island One,

four of the six historic buildings are rehabilitated

completely or partially – the main immigration

building (1900), kitchen and laundry building

(1901), powerhouse (1901), and bakery and

carpentry shop (1915). The baggage and
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

115

longer present, although remnants of this

structure include foundations, plumbing, and

stacks of clay flowerpots under a layer of rubble

(Figure 6.22).

Several other structures are also extant on the

island, many of them nonhistoric additions. A

reconstructed water tower is present between the

baggage and dormitory building and the

powerhouse (Figure 6.23). A small NPS

guardhouse is located at the ferry landing near the

main immigration building’s portico (Figure 6.24),

and a concession kiosk is located on the terrace at

the south corner of the building. The Wall of

Honor (1993, 2001), including both the circular

and linear portions, occupies the entire

southeastern corner of Island One. A metal

maintenance building is located south of the

recreation shelter and a utility area containing fuel

tanks and HVAC units is located north of the

powerhouse on Island One (Figure 6.25).

Additionally, the historic ferry slip and the sunken

ferryboat Ellis Island remain in the ferry basin, and

a mostly rehabilitated granite seawall surrounds

the island (Figure 6.26).

Trees are the predominant vegetation on the

island, primarily the numerous historic Platanus

acerifolia lining the ferry basin, which date to the

1939 planting plan. Nineteen of these trees are

extant along the basin’s north side, while fourteen

trees are present on the basin’s south side. The

turfgrass on Island One was renovated during the

island’s rehabilitation phase during the 1980s and

follows the 1939 layout, with slight modification

for the new entry portico (Figure 6.27).

Installation of the Wall of Honor created an

additional circular lawn on the southeast corner

of the island. A few trees are extant near the Wall

of Honor dating to the historic period, including

one large crabapple (Figure 6.28). These are

probably volunteer species that grew along fence

lines in the former detainee recreation yard.

Contemporary additions include flower beds

adjacent to the entry portico and in front of the

kitchen and laundry building, approximately

seventy-five new trees located in the Wall of

Honor area, and evergreen screening used around

the utility yard north of the powerhouse on Island

One (Figures 6.29 - 6.30).

Figure 6.23 The NPS reconstructed one of the water

towers circa 1985 at the original location. 1999.

(“Cultural Landscapes Inventory”)

Figure 6.22 Remains of the small greenhouse,

including foundation walls and heating pipes, are extant

adjacent to wards 31 & 32 on Island Three. August

2002. (Photo by author)

Figure 6.24 This small NPS guardhouse is located

along the main walkway at the entrance to the main

immigration building. August 2002. (Photo by author)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

116

Figure 6.28 This mature crabapple southeast of the

main immigration building probably started as a

volunteer tree along an old detention fence originally

located in this area. 1999. (“Cultural Landscapes

Inventory”)

Figure 6.29 Contemporary additions to the landscape

include various flower beds planted for seasonal color,

including this site adjacent to the kitchen and laundry

building, and others incorporated into the walkway at

the entry portico. August 2002. (Photo by author)

Figure 6.30 Arborvitae hedges (Thuja species) are used

to screen the fuel tanks and HVAC units in the utility

area on Island One. August 2002. (Photo by author)

Figure 6.27 The major vegetative features on Island

One continue to be the historic trees and expanses of

lawn adjacent to the main immigration building. 1999.

(“Cultural Landscapes Inventory”)

Figure 6.25 A service area containing fuel tanks and

HVAC units is located north of the powerhouse on

Island One. August 2002. (Photo by author)

Figure 6.26 A view of the concrete and granite

seawall surrounding all three islands. 1999. (“Cultural

Landscapes Inventory”)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

117

Figure 6.31 View

toward Manhattan

from Island One.

August 2002.

(Photo by author)

Figure 6.32 View

toward Liberty Island

from Island One.

1999. (“Cultural

Landscapes

Inventory”)

Figure 6.33 View

toward Jersey City

and Liberty State

Park from Island

One. August 2002.

(Photo by author)

Much of the invasive and overgrown vegetation

on Islands Two and Three was removed during

recent clearing projects. However, as the tree

canopy is thinned and more light is available to

the understory, the vegetation reestablishes itself

at a vigorous pace and must be kept in check by

annual clearing. Historic trees dating to the 1939

planting plan have been identified, and most of

these remain on both islands. The large recreation

space between Islands Two and Three remains,

and is now maintained as a lawn.

Both views within the island and across the

harbor have changed since 1954. On-island views

improved with the removal of vegetation and the

continuing renovation of the island’s facilities.

Views from the edges of the island are more

varied with the growth of the surrounding urban

environment. They are dominated by the

Manhattan skyline to the east, the Statue of

Liberty to the south, and Jersey City and Liberty

State Park to the north (Figures 6.31 - 6.33). Also

included in these view sheds are the Verrazano

Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island and

Brooklyn, the Newark skyline, Governors Island,

and various New Jersey harbors north and west of

the island. The view toward the island from the

water, with its imposing and impressive building

facades, was restored with the resumption of

regular passenger service to the island.

Both historic and contemporary small-scale

features are present on all three islands. Historic

features include iron mooring cleats along the

seawall edge, fire hydrants, manhole covers,

flagstaff bases, the fog bell, birdbath, utility

trenches and pits, and remnant lighting and

fencing. Contemporary features added to the

landscape during island renovation include new

lighting, seating, trash receptacles, fencing, railings,

and signage. Selected extant small-scale features

are shown in Figures 6.34 to 6.39.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

118

Endnotes for Chapter 6

1 Keepers of the Gate, p. 187.

2

Ibid.

3 A Master Plan for Ellis Island, New York, 1968,

Developed Area Plan.

4

Ibid., Developed Area Plan.

5

Ibid., pp. 20-21.

6

Ibid., p. 17.

7

Ibid.

8

 The NPS determined that 90% of the superstructure

of the ferry was beyond salvage, so any plans to raise

the ferry were scrapped. The remains of the ferry are

still visible in the basin at low tide.

9

 Prior to this upgrade, raw sewage from the islands

was simply discharged into the harbor. Archeological

Resources, p. 87.

10 “Cultural Landscapes Inventory”; Historic Structure

Report, The Main Building, p. 67.

11 “Cultural Landscapes Inventory.”

12 Historic Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 79-105.

13 “Cultural Landscapes Inventory.”

14 Ibid.

15 Ibid.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

119

a b

c d

e f

Figure 6.34 Fence styles: a) iron railing along ferry basin and steel mesh gate at ferry ramp on Island One,

b) iron railing at Fort Gibson site and post-and-chain fencing at Wall of Honor, c) portable iron rail fencing used

for crowd control, chainlink fencing in background on Island One, d) chainlink fencing and gate, iron railing along

seawall on northeast side of Island One, e) historic chainlink fencing on northwest side of Island Three, dating to

early 1950s detention era, f) contemporary posts used for chainlink fencing to restrict access to Island Three, fence

is down to facilitate recent vegetation clearing. August 2002. (Photos by author)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

120

Figure 6.35 Flagstaff bases: a) base of the main flagstaff on Island One

installed during 1980s, b) historic base from the 1950s on the southeast end of

Island Two, c) historic 1940 base for U. S. Coast Guard flagstaff on Island One.

August 2002. (Photos by author)

a b c

a b c d

e

f

Figure 6.36 Lighting styles: a) contemporary metal light post on Island One, b) last remaining historic concrete

light post on Island Two, c) detail of lamp on historic light post, d) seawall lighting style one on Island One,

e) seawall lighting style two on Island One, f) floodlights at the base of the flagstaff on Island One. (Photos a - d

taken August 2002 by author; photos e - f taken 1999, “Cultural Landscapes Inventory”)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

121

Figure 6.37 Sign styles: a) interpretive sign at ferry basin on Island One, b) park identification sign at main entry

to the immigration museum on Island One, c) orientation sign for the Wall of Honor, includes name locations and

credits, d) NPS arrowhead sign along the ferry basin on Island Two, e) caution sign located on the seawall on

Island One, f) large “No Trespass” sign at the southeastern corner of Island Two, g) small “No Trespass” sign

along the western seawall on Island Three. August 2002. (Photos by author)

a b

c d

f

e

g
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

122

Figure 6.38 Utility and drainage features: a) historic utility pits with iron covers in the walkways on Island Two,

b) contemporary sanitary sewer drain on Island One, c) historic manhole cover on Islands Two and Three,

d) contemporary fire hydrant in the front lawn on Island One, e) historic fire hydrant on Island Three,

f) contemporary fire hydrant on the north side of Island One, g) concrete splash for gutters on Island Three from

1940s, h) historic concrete utility trench north of the new ferry building, i) abandoned water line from Island Three

to New Jersey, northwest end of covered walkway. (Photos a - d taken 1999, “Cultural Landscapes Inventory,”

photos e - i taken August 2002 by author)

a b c

d e f g

h i
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Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

123

a b c d

e f g h

i j k

l m

n

Figure 6.39 Miscellaneous small-scale features: a) immigrant sculptures located on

the concession terrace, b) coin-operated view finder, c) accessible coin-operated view

finder, d) concession terrace trash receptacle, e) general trash receptacle used on

Island One, f) bomb-proof trash receptacle, these were installed for security after

September 11, 2001, g) historic concrete birdbath on Island Two, h) historic iron

mooring cleat on Island Two, i) historic concrete footing for original water tower on

Island One, j) contemporary bench style used on Island One, k) pilot light mast with

small bell on southwest corner of Island One, l) contemporary square picnic tables

used on concession terrace, m) contemporary round picnic tables used in courtyard

between main immigration building and baggage and dormitory building, n) large fog

bell originally located on the southeast corner of Island Two. (Photos a - b and f -

n taken August 2002 by author, photos c - e taken 1999, “Cultural Landscapes

Inventory”)
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Chapter 6: Postimmigration Period (1954-Present)

124
125

127

CHAPTER 7: ANALYSIS OF

SIGNIFICANCE AND INTEGRITY

This chapter provides an analysis of the historical

significance of Ellis Island and an evaluation of

the integrity of the physical character of the

landscape. The analysis is based on criteria

developed by the National Register of Historic

Places, which lists properties significant to our

country’s history and prehistory. Included here is

a review of the current National Register status

for Ellis Island and a discussion of the property’s

area of significance, including its association with

the cultural landscape. An examination of the

extant physical character of the landscape

compares the site’s historic and present condition

and identifies landscape characteristics and

features that do or do not contribute to the site’s

historical significance. The chapter concludes

with an evaluation of the property’s integrity in

accordance with National Register criteria. An

awareness of the site’s contributing features and

analysis of its historic integrity will facilitate future

development of the second volume of the CLR,

the treatment plan.

Statement of Significance

National Register Status

A property’s significance in U. S. history is

determined by a process of identification and

evaluation as defined by the National Register of

Historic Places. Historic significance may be

present in buildings, sites, districts, structures, or

objects that possess integrity of location, design,

setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or

association and that meet at least one of the

following National Register criteria:

A: That are associated with events that

have made a significant contribution to

the broad patterns of history; or

B: That are associated with the lives of

persons significant in our past; or

C: That embody the distinctive

characteristics of a type, period, or

method of construction, or that

represent the work of a master, or that

possess high artistic values, or represent a

significant and distinguishable entity

whose components may lack individual

distinction; or

D: That have yielded or may be likely to

yield information in prehistory or history.

A property can be found to have significance

under one or more of these criteria on a national,

state, or local level.1

Ellis Island became a part of the national park

system in 1965 and was subsequently listed on the

National Register in 1966, though an official

nomination form was not completed at that time.

A nomination was completed in 1975 and

accepted by the Keeper of the Register in 1976.

In this documentation, the island’s association

with immigration was identified as the primary

area of significance, with the architectural

elements of the facility providing support to this

theme. However, the cultural landscape was not

mentioned. In 1981 a joint National Register

nomination form was completed and approved

for both Liberty and Ellis Islands (Statue of Liberty

National Monument, Ellis Island and Liberty Island).

The listing also ascribed national significance to

the property under Criterion A, for its association

with immigration history in the United States.

Although the statement of significance was

updated from the 1976 nomination, the

documentation was still limited and failed to

adequately address the importance of Ellis

Island’s cultural landscape, including its unique

landscape characteristics and features.

Area of Significance

Ellis Island’s significance as documented under

Criterion A in the site’s current National Register

nomination recognizes the island’s direct

contribution to the broad pattern of United States

history through its use as the country’s premier

federal immigration station. The period of

significance for the island is 1892-1954, covering

the immigration period and extending to the date

of the facility’s closure.
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Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

128

The following discussion illustrates how the

development of the cultural landscape on Ellis

Island supports the identified area of significance.

During the sixty-two-year historic period,

planning and development for immigration needs

resulted in major landscape changes, most of

which contributed directly to the immigrant

experience. The pattern of landscape

rehabilitation and neglect parallels the cyclic rise

and fall of overall immigration activity as it

occurred on Ellis Island. Consequently, the

cultural landscape is a supporting contributor to

the island’s primary significance. Ideally, the

official National Register nomination should be

updated to document this; nevertheless, the

discussion presented here is preliminary and is not

intended to act as a formal nomination.

During the immigration period, the Ellis Island

landscape was extensively altered from its early

history as a Native American seasonal hunting and

fishing ground, colonial commercial and

residential site, and military fortification.

Construction of the first immigration station

between 1890 and 1897 shifted the island’s

primary land use to immigration and changed its

spatial organization by establishing a group of

interrelated buildings to support immigration

operations. The organizational pattern of the

facilities, with buildings clustered in close

proximity to one another, provided order and

efficiency in the landscape and in the immigration

station’s operation.

Construction of the second immigration station

beginning in 1898 and the subsequent addition of

landfill to create Island Two and Island Three

altered many landscape characteristics, including

spatial organization, circulation, topography, and

vegetation. The new buildings were set further

back from the water’s edge than the original

immigration station’s structures, creating

additional open space and providing a more

impressive setting for the public buildings.

Alteration of the island’s topography and size

through landfill projects accommodated building

development, and the establishment of direct

circulation routes from ferry docks to buildings

encouraged the orderly processing of immigrants.

With the substantial rise in immigration during the

first decades of the twentieth century, the island’s

landscape became many immigrants’ initial

introduction to America and played a vital role in

their immigration experience. Recognizing this,

Commissioner of Immigration William Williams

implemented changes to enhance the station’s

aesthetics and improve perceptions of the facility.

He initiated the creation of a more formalized

landscape with defined walkways, expansive lawns,

and ornamental plantings. Later, he advocated for

increased interaction with the landscape by

providing designated outdoor spaces and adding

benches for immigrant use. The Williams period

was likely the most eventful with respect to the

frequency and significance of landscape change.

During World War I, a decrease in immigration

and introduction of military use left the island’s

landscape relatively unaltered but also

unmaintained. The landscape showed evidence of

neglect when the island reopened for immigration

after the war; however, postwar priorities centered

on reestablishing functional operations and

maintaining deteriorated buildings, leaving limited

resources available for the ornamental landscape.

Despite these limitations, some landscape

improvements did occur throughout the ensuing

decades, once again enhancing the immigration

experience. Landfill projects during the 1920s and

1930s, including filling the basin between Islands

Two and Three, increased Ellis Island’s size to

twenty-seven and one-half acres, allowed the

construction of new hospital facilities and

recreation space, and created better circulation

between Islands Two and Three. Development

and partial implementation of a comprehensive

planting plan in the late 1930s and early 1940s

provided a sense of overall order and continuity

to the landscape and enhanced the island’s

appearance as a well-run, orderly governmental

facility. Most of the extant circulation patterns,

open spaces, and tree rows were established

during this period.

Subsequent changes in immigration policy and

patterns directly influenced how the landscape

evolved and was maintained throughout the late
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Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

129

1940s and early 1950s. The shift from immigrant

processing to detention led to the creation of

more fenced outdoor spaces for detainee and

employee recreation and less emphasis on

maintaining a formal landscape. Although some

of the island grounds were well-maintained by the

U. S. Coast Guard during their second tenure on

the island in the 1950s, the highly manicured

landscape from earlier years was no longer

present. When the facilities closed at the end of

the immigration period in 1954, the landscape

once again became neglected, completing another

cycle of rehabilitation and decline.

Throughout the period of significance, Ellis

Island’s acreage increased from just three acres to

twenty-seven and one-half acres, construction

occurred on more than forty buildings, and the

landscape underwent a series of changes including

the development and partial implementation of a

comprehensive landscape plan. These alterations

to the island’s landscape supported and enhanced

the island’s primary role as the premier United

States immigration facility. Throughout the

period of significance, the island’s cultural

landscape continued to evolve in support of

changing federal immigration policy and practice

as it was implemented on Ellis Island.

Landscape Characteristics

This section provides an evaluation of the

landscape’s physical integrity by comparing

landscape characteristics and features present

during the period of significance with current

conditions. Each characteristic or feature is

classified as either contributing or

noncontributing to the site’s overall historic

significance. Contributing characteristics or

features were either present during the period of

significance or are in-kind replacements of such

historic elements. Landscape characteristics

identified for Ellis Island are spatial organization,

land use, topography, circulation, buildings and

structures, vegetation, views, and small-scale

features.

Of the identified characteristics, four categories

stand out as most significant for the preservation

of Ellis Island’s cultural landscape: spatial

organization, circulation, buildings and

structures, and vegetation. Additionally,

preservation of some of the island’s small-scale

features would also assist in maintaining the

cultural landscape’s integrity, but to a lesser extent.

A summary of individual items and features

included under each category of landscape

characteristics is provided in Table 7.1.

Spatial Organization

The initial construction of the first immigration

facilities at the beginning of the immigration

period began the establishment of the island’s

dominant spatial organization by clustering new

buildings in a linear fashion along the ferry

landing. As additional buildings were constructed

on Island One and the landfill of Islands Two and

Three, the linear pattern of development was

retained and open spaces developed between the

structures, including small courtyards, lawns, and

larger recreation areas. This development pattern

continued throughout the island’s history. The

rectilinear layout of exterior walkways, connecting

corridors between the buildings, and the planting

of a formally influenced landscape, including tree

rows along the walks and lawns, reinforced the

island’s spatial organization.

Currently, the spatial organization remains

consistent with its historic pattern and is one of

the most important contributing characteristics to

the island’s historic significance. Extant buildings

and structures are arranged in a linear pattern,

running generally north/south along all three

islands. Defined open spaces include individual

courtyards between buildings, former recreation

areas on all three islands, and the formal lawn

panels on Island One. Despite years of

concealment by overgrown vegetation, historic

open spaces are revealed once again, thanks to

several recent vegetation clearing projects on

Islands Two and Three.
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130

Land Use

Historically, the island’s land use was primarily

related to immigration, with occasional periods of

residential and military usage. With the close of

the facility at the end of the period of

significance, active land use ceased. Currently,

land use is focused on commemoration,

interpretation, and preservation. Implementation

of these new uses has resulted in numerous

landscape additions like the Wall of Honor,

concessions areas, crowd-control features, and

signage. However, since these contemporary uses

do not have integrity to the historic period, the

current land use is classified as noncontributing to

the island’s significance.

Topography

In 1898 Boring and Tilton recommended raising

the elevation of Ellis Island for the main

immigration building two feet above the original

level and sloping the grade slightly away from the

new buildings. This height and landform has

been maintained ever since. The topography of

the island and surrounding bay floor was altered

with the addition of landfill to create Islands Two

and Three. However, these new additions

maintained essentially the same elevation as Island

One, reinforcing the predominant low, flat

topography of the island. These conditions have

not changed from the historic condition. The

existing topography remains relatively flat and

stable, with only a few small sinkholes along the

seawall on Islands Two and Three. The continuity

of Ellis Island’s overall topography makes it a

contributing characteristic to the island’s

significance.

Circulation

Throughout the period of significance, several

different features accommodated pedestrian

circulation. Primary pedestrian circulation was

originally achieved with boardwalks along the

ferry basin on Island One. These were later

replaced with concrete walkways along the new

seawall and in a rectilinear pattern adjacent to the

main immigration building, providing definition to

outdoor spaces and access to all buildings. The

specific pattern changed slightly over the years,

especially with the removal of the entry portico

and construction of subsequent flower beds, but

the overall rectilinear form of the walkways

remained consistent. Ferry ramps were also

extant at various times both in the boardwalk and

the later concrete walkways along the ferry basin.

On Islands Two and Three, initial circulation

routes included cinder paths, concrete aprons

directly adjacent to the buildings (on Island Two),

concrete walks, and eventually covered corridors

between all three islands. The last major addition

during the historic period occurred during the

1930s with the construction of the rectilinear walk

system in the recreation area between Islands Two

and Three.

Currently, the pedestrian circulation is relatively

consistent with the island’s historic condition.

Concrete walkways provide the major pedestrian

access routes through the public areas on Island

One. Although these walks replaced original ones

during the early NPS rehabilitation of Island One,

their rectilinear pattern is consistent with the

historic precedent. Ferry ramps are still extant

and are located in the same general area as they

were historically, with one contemporary addition

on the southeast end of the ferry basin.

Additional walkways, steps, and ramps have been

added, primarily with the construction of the Wall

of Honor, the entry portico, and the concessions

area on the southeast end of the island. The

covered corridors still provide pedestrian access to

all three islands. Sections on Island One have

been rehabilitated, but sections on Islands Two

and Three remain in a state of disrepair. The

historic rectilinear walkways on Islands Two and

Three remain intact but are also in extremely poor

condition. After nearly fifty years of complete

neglect, vegetation, weather, and erosion have

damaged the concrete, and all these walkways are

in need of repair.

Circulation to and from the island was historically

accomplished by water transportation. Arriving

boats came directly to the ferry basin between

Islands One and Two, with most landing along the

edge of the ferry basin and some docking at the

ferry slip and dock at the basin’s end. Additional

boats arrived at the coal wharf northeast of the

powerhouse, primarily for deliveries and other

operational needs.
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131

Island access has changed slightly from the

historic condition. Boats still provide the primary

transportation for visitors, arriving in the ferry

basin as they did historically. However, the only

landing access for the public is located along the

ferry basin edge in front of the main immigration

building. The historic ferry slip and dock, where

the sunken ferryboat Ellis Island is located, are in a

deteriorated state and are no longer in use. Boat

traffic also continues to arrive at the location of

the old coal wharf, primarily serving maintenance

facility needs. There is also a small floating dock

located on the northwest end of the ferry basin

that is used for smaller boats operated by the U. S.

Park Police. Additionally, vehicular access has

been added to the island with the construction of

the temporary bridge to New Jersey and the

adjoining parking lots.

Despite having portions in relatively poor

condition, the existing pedestrian walkways and

corridors on all three islands are contributing

features to the significance of Ellis Island. The

pattern of water transportation to the island is

also contributing, but since there was historically

no vehicular access to the island, the temporary

bridge and parking lots are noncontributing

features.

Buildings and Structures

Ellis Island’s buildings and structures are perhaps

the most prominent elements in the cultural

landscape, and nearly all that remain are

contributing features to the island’s significance.

Approximately forty buildings were constructed

on the island during the period of significance

throughout several phases of development and

rehabilitation. Historic development of the extant

buildings of the second immigration station began

in 1901 with the construction of the main

immigration building and main hospital building.

Building construction ceased in the late 1930s

when the last major phase of development added

the new ferry building, new immigration building,

recreation building, and recreation shelters.

Various other structures were also a vital part of

the facility historically, including water towers, coal

hoisting equipment, trash storage facilities, tennis

courts, small docks, and the ferry slip and dock.

Some historic buildings and structures were lost

during the period of significance, including the

surgeon’s house, original ferry building, tennis

courts, coal hoisting equipment, and wooden

seawall. The NPS removed others from the island

during rehabilitation work in the 1980s and 1990s

including the greenhouse, incinerator, and original

water towers.

Currently, thirty-two historic buildings and four

historic structures are extant on the island in

varying states of rehabilitation, stabilization, or

abandonment. They include all the major

immigration and hospital buildings, the concrete

and granite seawall, remnants of the ferry slip and

dock, the sunken remains of the ferry boat Ellis

Island, and an exposed portion of the

archeological remains of Fort Gibson. A

contemporary water tower is present on Island

One that is an in-kind reconstruction of a missing

historic feature. There are also several nonhistoric

buildings and structures present including the Wall

of Honor, NPS guardhouse, concession kiosk,

and maintenance building. These features are

noncontributing, and their presence is less critical

to maintaining the island’s significance and

integrity.

Vegetation

During the historic period, numerous changes to

the island landscape altered the overall vegetation

character. During the station’s initial

establishment and development, there was a

limited amount of preexisting vegetation

combined with newly planted trees, shrubs, and

lawns concentrated primarily on Islands One and

Two around the ferry basin. Subsequent

improvements under Commissioners Williams and

Corsi added more ornamental vegetation like

flower beds, climbing vines, ornamental planters,

and formal lawns with hedges. Implementation

of the 1939 planting plan increased the overall

amount of vegetation on the island, but there

were relatively few species present. Plantanus

acerifolia (London planetree) was the predominant

tree planted along the ferry basin and around the

recreation yard between Islands Two and Three.

Established lawns remained in front of the main

immigration building, in open spaces between
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

132

other buildings, and in the large recreation spaces.

Plantings of Juniperus spp. (juniper), Ligustrum spp.

(privet), Spiraea spp. (spirea), and Viburnum spp.

(viburnum) existed in smaller numbers in a few

locations between buildings and along walkways.

By the end of the historic period, the amount of

ornamental vegetation had decreased substantially.

Mature trees and open lawns dominated the island

and there were few, if any, flower beds or other

ornamental plantings.

After the station’s closure in 1954, vegetation

growth was rampant and unchecked. The historic

landscape became overgrown and many invasive

and volunteer species began to take over the

island. By the mid-1960s a wide variety of species

were present including vines like Euonymus spp.

(euonymus), Hedera helix (English ivy),

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), and

Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy); shrubs such as

Forsythia intermedia (forsythia), Ligustrum spp.

(privet), Rhus spp. (sumac), Syringa vulgaris

(common lilac), Taxus spp. (yew); and numerous

trees including, Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven),

Betula spp. (birch), Malus spp. (crabapple), Plantanus

acerifolia (London planetree), Prunus spp. (wild

cherry), Quercus spp. (oak), and Ulmus spp. (elm).

Subsequent island rehabilitation and preservation

efforts in the 1970s through the 1990s cleared

much of the rampant vegetation, leaving many

historic trees and remnant shrubs in place.

Currently, extant vegetation on Island One

includes a mix of historic trees and newly planted

trees, shrubs, lawn, and flowers. The mature

Platanus acerifolia are still present along the ferry

basin where they were originally planted and are in

reasonably good condition. There is also one

malus southeast of the main immigration building

dating to the historic period, but it was likely a

volunteer tree that sprang up along an earlier

fence line. All other trees on Island One, whether

planted or volunteers, postdate the historic period.

On Islands Two and Three, most existing mature

trees date from the historic period, however, many

were volunteers and were not part of the island’s

planting plan. Many mature Platanus acerifolia and

Quercus palustris remain in their original planting

pattern along the walkways and are in good

condition. Recent vegetation clearing projects

removed many volunteer species, but continual

maintenance is required to prevent the landscape

from becoming completely overgrown again.

Historic specimen trees and shrubs, including the

mature Platanus acerifolia, Quercus palustris, and

surviving shrubs from the 1940s, are considered

contributing features to the island’s historic

significance. All other vegetation, including

recently planted trees, shrubs, and flowers on

Island One and volunteer trees, shrubs, or vines

on Islands Two and Three, is noncontributing.

However, the vegetation planting patterns

surviving from the 1939 planting plan are the

more significant contributing features to the

cultural landscape. The linear tree rows along the

ferry basin and walkways, formal lawn panels on

Island One, lawn recreation spaces on all three

islands, and small courtyard spaces between

buildings have been defining elements of the

cultural landscape since the historic period.

Views

There is no indication that early planners

considered view sheds to, from, or within Ellis

Island to be significant. However, the island’s

development pattern and the spatial organization

of its features did establish view sheds that

became character-defining elements of the

cultural landscape. Prior to the period of

significance, island views were expansive. Facility

development and extant vegetation were minimal,

providing important open site lines for the early

military installation. View sheds changed with the

start of the immigration period and the

subsequent development of the immigration

station. Views across the harbor became blocked

from the island’s interior by the numerous

buildings, structures, and eventually by maturing

vegetation, however, they remained open if

viewed from the island’s edges. These expansive

views could be seen at the seawall, where

dominant view sheds included the Manhattan

skyline to the northeast, the Statue of Liberty to

the south, and the New Jersey shore to the north

and west. The construction of various small

courtyards, recreation spaces, and open lawns
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Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

133

created more intimate views within the individual

islands. Additionally, the sight of the island and

the immigration station from the surrounding

harbor was an important view for the thousands

of immigrants processed at the facility. For many,

this view of the grand buildings and formally

nfluenced landscape was their first glimpse of

America and emphasized the stature and

importance of this governmental facility. These

views became less impressive at the end of the

historic period, due to the increased fencing

around the island for detention areas and the

general wear and tear of the facilities and

landscape. Upon the closure of the station in

1954, most views within and toward the islands

became obscured with the subsequent vegetation

growth.

The rehabilitation of many facilities and removal

of overgrown vegetation has reestablished

important island views. Views from the seawall

across the harbor are more varied with the growth

of the surrounding urban environment,

particularly the development of Manhattan and

the New Jersey coastline, including Liberty State

Park to the northwest of the island. Interior

island views continue to be small in scale, with

emphasis on views across the islands’ open lawns

and into small courtyard spaces. Views of the

island and former immigration station from the

harbor are also extant and with the exception of

the inclusion of mature trees, are similar to the

views experienced by arriving immigrants. All

views are considered contributing features to the

island’s historic significance.

Small-scale Features

The immigration station contained a variety of

small-scale features throughout the period of

significance. Cycles of construction,

deterioration, and rehabilitation brought about

continuous changes in the style and placement of

a number of these elements. Many features

provided a utilitarian function, including wooden

docks and pilings, several different styles of

outdoor lighting, a water collection and supply

system, flagstaffs, a fog bell and wooden tower,

pilot light, and various types of signage.

Ornamental features accompanied subsequent

phases of landscape improvements, including

twisted-wire fencing around lawn areas, movable

picket fencing for crowd control, benches for

immigrant and employee use, planters for

ornamental vegetation, and at least two birdbaths

in the Island Two and Three courtyard spaces.

Seawall improvements brought the addition of

iron mooring cleats along the ferry basin for

docking ships. Features like the children’s

playground equipment, chainlink fencing, and

baseball backstop served the increased recreation

and detention facility needs. By the end of the

historic period, many of the oldest small-scale

features were no longer extant, or had been

replaced with new feature types. During the time

the island was abandoned, substantial loss or

damage occurred with many remaining features.

However, some historic features did survive intact.

Small-scale features on the island are currently a

combination of historic and contemporary.

Contemporary items like benches, fencing,

lighting, and trash receptacles are generally in

good condition, however, they do not contribute

to the island’s historic significance. Most historic

features such as the iron mooring cleats, manhole

covers, water tower foundations, a concrete

birdbath, and fire hydrants are in relatively good

condition. However, other historic small-scale

features are in much worse shape and are in

danger of loss from vandalism or neglect,

including remnant chainlink fencing and the last

existing concrete light post on Island Two.

Despite their condition, all extant historic smallscale features contribute to the island’s

significance.
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Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

134

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island

Characteristics and Features Status Comments

Spatial Organization

Building placement and open

space

The historic spatial organization is reinforced in

the placement of buildings, open spaces, and

circulation system.

Contributing

Land Use

Commemoration,

interpretation, and preservation

Noncontributing The historic immigration land use is no longer

extant. Current uses do not contribute to the

historic significance.

Topography

Flat, level landform Contributing The site retains its historic character of a relatively

flat island just a few feet above sea level.

Circulation

Historic concrete walkways

Contemporary concrete walkways,

steps, and accessible ramps

Covered corridors

Ferry basin ramps

Temporary bridge

Parking lots

Water transportation

Contributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Most extant historic walkways date to the mid1930s and are present on Islands Two and Three.

Installed on Island One in the 1980s

The corridor between Islands One and Two was

completed by 1907; the corridor on Island Three

was completed in 1914; the masonry corridor

between Islands Two and Three was completed

in 1936 (replacing 1918 wooden original).

The features date to the period of significance.

The originals were likely altered with walkway

upgrades but generally remained in the same

location. One new ramp added circa 1992.

Constructed in 1984

Constructed in 1984

Use of boats to access island dates to historic

period.

Buildings and Structures

Main immigration building

Kitchen and laundry building

Powerhouse – Island One

Main hospital building

Completed in 1901

Completed in 1901

Completed in 1901

Completed in 1901

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

135

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island

Characteristics and Features Status Comments

Buildings and Structures, cont.

Hospital outbuilding

Psychopathic ward

Administration building – Island Two

Administration building – Island Three

Powerhouse – Island Three

Kitchen

Wards 13 & 14

Wards 17 & 18

Wards 19 & 20

Animal house

Staff house

Nurses’ quarters

New hospital extension

Baggage and dormitory building

Wards 11 & 12

Wards 15 & 16

Wards 21 & 22

Wards 23 & 24

Wards 25 & 26

Wards 27 & 28

Wards 29 & 30

Wards 31 & 32

Bakery and carpentry shop

New ferry building

New immigration building

Completed in 1901

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1907

Completed in 1908

Completed in 1908

Completed in 1909

Completed in 1909

Completed in 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed circa 1909

Completed in 1915

Completed in 1936

Completed in 1936

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

136

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island

Characteristics and Features Status Comments

Buildings and Structures, cont.

Recreation building

Recreation shelter – Island One

Recreation shelter–Between Islands Two

and Three

Exposed Fort Gibson walls

Concrete and granite seawall

Ferry slip pilings

Sunken ferry boat Ellis Island

Entry portico, main immigration building

Fuel tanks & HVAC units

Maintenance building

Water tower, reconstruction

Concession kiosk

NPS guardhouse – Island One

Wall of Honor

Completed in 1937

Completed in 1937

Completed in 1937

Predates period of significance, but

archeological fort remains were present

during immigration period.

Completed in 1921 – Island One

Completed in 1934 – other islands

Various rehabilitation projects have

occurred throughout historic and

contemporary periods.

The existing layout dates to the 1930s

Sank in 1968

Completed in 1980s

Completed in 1980s

Completed in 1980s

Completed circa 1985

Completed in 1990s

Completed in 1990s

Completed in 1993 and 2001

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Vegetation

Extant Platanus acerifolia or other historic

trees and remnant shrubs

In-kind replacements for historic vegetation

Planting pattern for tree rows, lawns,

courtyards

All other vegetation

For individual specimens, only those

associated with the 1939 planting plan,

or in-kind replacements, are

contributing. All other vegetation

including invasive or volunteer species,

as well as contemporary additions, are

noncontributing.

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Noncontributing
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

137

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island

Characteristics and Features Status Comments

Views

Historic views Contributing Includes views across harbor, within

site, and harbor to island

Small-scale Features

Benches

Birdbath, Island Two

Coin-operated viewfinders

Fencing, historic chainlink – Island Three

Fencing, contemporary styles including iron

railing along seawall, chainlink, post and

chain, temporary crowd control

Fire hydrants, historic – Islands Two

and Three

Fire hydrants, nonhistoric – Island One

Flagstaff and base – Island One

Flagstaff base, U.S. Coast Guard –

Island One

Flagstaff base – Island Two

Fog bell – Island Two

Footings, concrete for old water towers –

Island One

Greenhouse ruins – Island Three

Gutter splash guards, concrete –

Island Three

Iron mooring cleats

Lighting, contemporary fixtures including

posts, seawall fixtures, floodlights

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Installed from 1980s to present

Installation date unknown

Installed in 1980s

Installed in 1950s

Installed from 1980s to present

Installed circa 1952

Installed in 1980s

Moved to present location in mid1930s. Base renovated in 1980s.

Unknown if flagstaff is original or

replacement.

Installed in 1940

Installed in 1950s

May date to original construction of

immigration station. Moved to current

location in 1980s.

Installed in 1921 and 1930

Installed in 1950s

Installed in 1940s

Installed between 1907 and 1913

Installed in 1980s
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

138

Lighting, historic concrete octagonal post

and remnant bases –

Island Two

Manhole covers, historic

Manhole covers and drain inlets,

contemporary

Picnic tables

Pilot light mast, with small bell –

Island One

Rubble wall – Island Three

Sculptures, abstracts of immigrant figures

located on Island One concession terrace

Signage

Trash receptacles

Utility corridors and pits, concrete and

brick – Islands Two and Three

Water line, abandoned – Island Three

Table 7.1 Summary of Landscape Characteristics for Ellis Island

Characteristics and Features Status Comments

Small-scale features, cont.

Installed in 1935, only one concrete

octagonal post and Beaux Arts lamp

remains

Some may date to original immigration

station.

Installed in 1980s

Installed in 1980s

Installation date unknown

Likely composed of broken pieces of

concrete walkway, likely dates to early

rehabilitation work in 1970s or 1980s

Installed 1990s

Most installed in 1980s, some remnants

on Island Three installed after island

abandonment in 1950s

Installed from 1980s to present

Installation dates unknown

Installation date unknown, although a

line in this location appears on a 1916

map

Contributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Noncontributing

Contributing

Noncontributing
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

139

Integrity of the Historic Landscape

The National Register has identified seven aspects,

or qualities, that define integrity. These include

location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,

feeling, and association. Several or all of these

aspects must be present for a site to retain its

historic integrity.2 Analysis of the aspects of

integrity is a subjective measure that varies from

site to site, but the determination is always based

on a thorough knowledge of the historical

significance of the property and how well its

current features convey that significance. To be

listed on the National Register, a property not

only must be shown to have significance under

one of the four criteria, but it must also retain a

degree of its historic integrity.

Location

This aspect of integrity refers to the place where

the landscape was constructed. Although the size

of Ellis Island has increased throughout its

history as an immigration station, the location of

the island, the immigration station, and the

landscape in New York Harbor have remained

unchanged. Therefore, the site retains high

integrity of location.

Design

The combination of elements that create the

form, plan, space, structure, and style of a cultural

landscape or historic property fall under this

category. Ellis Island maintains high integrity of

design for both the structures and the landscape.

Extant buildings retain their original design

schemes and features including materials,

proportion, scale, site placement, and

ornamentation. Although buildings were added to

the island over several decades, each structure has

remained relatively true to the original design for

the immigration station, even though there were

also numerous alterations and additions to some

individual structures. The linear placement of the

buildings, and the numerous open spaces and

small courtyards, particularly between the hospital

structures on Islands Two and Three, remained

consistent throughout the island’s development

and still dominates the island today. The

predominant landscape design dates to a period

of renewed emphasis in improving island

aesthetics under Commissioner of Immigration

Corsi in the 1930s. Originally developed in the

1939 planting plan and implemented during the

1940s, much of this landscape is extant including

mature trees, a formal circulation system, and

designed open lawn spaces. Although some

changes have occurred in the landscape during

subsequent site rehabilitation, overall these

primary landscape characteristics have remained

unaltered. That is especially true for Islands Two

and Three, where little rehabilitation work has

been undertaken to date.

Setting

Since the setting, or physical environment, for the

immigration station has remained consistent with

its condition during the period of significance, the

island’s landscape retains high integrity of setting.

From the period of initial construction of the

buildings and subsequent landscape, the island’s

topography has remained a flat, level landform,

even with various landfill additions. The relative

isolation of the immigration station on a harbor

island provides a certain level of separation from

the urbanity of nearby New York City and sets

the facility apart as a place of importance. This

setting fulfilled the conditions of the

congressional committee who first chose the

island for the immigration facility in 1890, and it

remains evident today. The arrangement of

buildings and open spaces is consistent with early

facility layout, and the mature tree rows and extant

walkways reinforce the slightly formal setting

established by the island’s landscape design.

Materials

All types of construction materials, including

paving, plants, and other landscape features, as

well as the materials’ placement in the landscape,

are included under this aspect of integrity. The

quality, condition, and placement of the materials

found on Ellis Island is mixed, resulting in a

moderate integrity of materials. In areas of the

island that have not been rehabilitated, original

construction materials remain, including the brick

and granite building facades, concrete walks,

small-scale landscape features, and a concrete and

granite seawall. However, many of these materials
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

140

are in a deteriorated state or are no longer present

in their historic location, and may soon be lost. In

areas that have already been rehabilitated, some of

these original materials remain, but many original

features were replaced during renovations.

Numerous concrete walks are extant from the

historic period, particularly on Islands Two and

Three, but new sections of walk replaced some of

the originals on Island One during the

rehabilitation of the main immigration building.

Nearly all sections of galvanized chainlink fencing

dating to the historic period have been removed.

Plant materials dating to the 1940s, including

mature trees and some shrubs, are still extant in

their original locations on all three islands. The

concrete and granite remains intact on the seawall

around the island, with only a few sections

repaired or replaced since its construction.

Workmanship

This aspect of integrity refers to the physical

evidence of the crafts of a particular period. Ellis

Island currently maintains moderate integrity of

workmanship. There is still evidence on the island

of the fine quality of historic workmanship

exhibited in both the buildings and the landscape.

The detailed masonry and concrete work installed

by local artisans and craftsmen remains visible in

the extant buildings, walks, and seawall that date

to the historic period. However, since many of

the constructed features exhibiting this

workmanship are in a state of deterioration, there

is a reasonable expectation that the integrity of

the historic workmanship may continue to

diminish.

Feeling

A property’s expression of the aesthetic or

historic sense of a particular time period is

evaluated under this aspect of integrity. The Ellis

Island landscape has moderate integrity of feeling

to the immigration period. At the height of the

station’s operations, the island was generally wellmaintained and orderly. The physical plant was in

a good state of repair, and the landscape was

designed and maintained to reinforce the island’s

status as an important governmental facility.

Currently, the island landscape is only highly

maintained at locations where visitors are likely to

gather or view it, specifically portions of Island

One around the renovated structures and areas on

Islands One and Two bordering the ferry basin.

Other parts of the island, especially around the

abandoned structures on Islands Two and Three,

remain in a derelict state, although work is

currently under way in many of these areas to

stabilize historic features. The deteriorated

portions of the landscape do not provide the

same feeling of orderliness and control exhibited

by the relatively well-maintained facility that was

present during the historic period. However,

additional integrity of feeling has been maintained

on Island One by the continued influx of visitors

into the landscape, re-creating the feeling of the

busy, crowded island that existed historically

during peak immigration periods.

Association

This aspect refers to the direct link between the

significant historic event or person and the

cultural landscape. The Ellis Island landscape

maintains high integrity of association. The

remaining landscape design, characteristics, and

features primarily date to the historic immigration

period, with minor alterations to the landscape

resulting from various stabilization and

rehabilitation projects.

Integrity of the Property as a Whole

As stated above, the Ellis Island landscape retains

high integrity in location, design, setting, and

association. It retains moderate integrity in

materials, workmanship, and feeling. According to

National Register guidelines, a property either

does or does not retain its overall historic

integrity, indicating that it does or does not convey

its significance. Even though there have been

incremental changes subsequent to the historic

period, the above analysis indicates the Ellis Island

cultural landscape does retain integrity to its 1892-

1954 period of significance.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

141

Endnotes for Chapter 7

1 United States Department of the Interior, National

Park Service, Cultural Resources, National Register

Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register

Nomination Form (Washington, DC: Government

Printing Office, 1991).

2 United States Department of the Interior, National

Park Service, Cultural Resources, National Register

Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for

Evaluation, (Washington, DC: Government Printing

Office, 1997).
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Chapter 7: Analysis of Significance and Integrity

142
143

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books and Published Sources

Beyer Blinder Belle/Anderson Notter Finegold.

Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty National

Monument, Historic Structure Report, The

Main Building, Volume 1. United States

Department of the Interior, National

Park Service. 1984.

Corsi, Edward. In the Shadow of Liberty. New

York: Macmillan Company, 1935.

National Park Service. A Master Plan for Ellis

Island, New York. Preliminary plan.

United States Department of the

Interior, 1968.

New York Times, Ellis Island Articles, Volumes 1 to 9

(February 6, 1890 – July 20, 1924).

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Library.

Pitkin, Thomas M. Keepers of the Gate: A History

of Ellis Island. New York: New York

University Press, 1975.

Pousson, John F. An Overview and Assessment of

Archeological Resources on Ellis Island, Statue

of Liberty National Monument, New York.

Rockville, MD: United States

Department of Interior, National Park

Service, Denver Service Center, Eastern

Team. 1986.

Report of the Ellis Island Committee. March 1934.

Reprint, The American Immigration

Library, A Facsimile Reprint Collection,

New York: Jerome S. Ozer, 1971.

(Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Library,

JV6481 1934a)

Unrau, Harlan D. Historic Structure Report Ellis

Island, Historical Data, Statue of Liberty

National Monument, New York / New Jersey.

Denver, CO: United States Department

of the Interior, National Park Service,

Denver Service Center, 1981.

Reports and Unpublished Materials

“Ellis Island Study.” May 1978. (CRBIB

Number 010518)

MetaForm / Rathe / D&P. “Ellis Island: A

Conceptual Program.” December 1984.

(CRBIB Number 401461)

National Park Service. “Cultural Landscapes

Inventory, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty

National Monument.” 2001.

Pike, Henry H. “Ellis Island: Its Legal Status.”

Washington, DC: General Services

Administration, Office of General

Counsel. February 11, 1963. (CRBIB

Number 012859)

United States Department of the Interior,

National Park Service. “A Study Report

on Ellis Island.” June 1964. (CRBIB

Number 010517)

United States Department of Justice,

Immigration and Naturalization Service,

Division of Research and Education.

“History of Ellis Island, New York.”

October 1947. (Statue of Liberty/Ellis

Island Library, EL-MS EH-6)

United States Department of Justice,

Immigration and Naturalization Service.

“History of Ellis Island, New York.”

December 1, 1952. (Statue of Liberty/

Ellis Island Library, EL-MS EH-7)
144

Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Bibliography

Interviews

Allmond, Charles M. III. Interview by Serena

Rinker. Tape Recording. Ellis Island,

August 7, 1983. Transcribed by Lydia

Hanhardt, June 1995. (Statue of Liberty/

Ellis Island Library, NPS-140)

Conan, Beatrice Cohen. Interview by Paul E.

Sigrist, Jr. Tape Recording. Ellis Island

Recording Studio, July 25, 1995.

Transcribed by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr.,

November 1998. (Statue of Liberty/Ellis

Island Library, EI-646)

Gallo, Joseph. Interview by Paul E. Sigrist, Jr.

Tape Recording. Ellis Island Recording

Studio, June 18, 1993. Transcribed by

Nancy Vega, May 1994. (Statue of

Liberty/Ellis Island Library, EI-335)

Hornberger, Ralph. Interview by Paul E. Sigrist,

Jr. Tape Recording. Langhorn,

Pennsylvania, April 24, 1991.

Transcribed by Nancy Vega, May 1993

(Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Library,

EI-040)

Kaye, Louis. Interview by Margo Nash. Tape

Recording. Location unknown,

November 14, 1973. Transcribed by

Charlene Keylor, April 1979.

Reconceived by Meg Maher, February

1995. (Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

Library, NPS-29)

Miller, Richard and Robert Iles. Interview by Paul

E. Sigrist, Jr., and Brian Feeney. Tape

Recording. Ellis Island Recording Studio,

September 4, 1991. Transcribed by

Nancy Vega, May 1993. (Statue of

Liberty/Ellis Island Library, EI-085)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 - 1920

145

Seawall Contract #1, November 1913. (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43961-0001.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 - 1920

146

Seawall Contract #2, circa 1913 (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43961a-0010.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 - 1920

147Seawall Contract #3, February 1918 (National Archives, 

Washington, DC, RG 85, Entry 9, 55640, Box 462, File 558 C)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 - 1920

148

Seawall Contract #4, 1918 (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43961-0002.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix A: Seawall Plans and Details, 1912 - 1920

149

Seawall Contract #5, March 1920 (NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 43961-0003.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix B: Planting Details for Island Two, 1939

150

(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 42980-0001.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix B: Planting Details for Island Two, 1939

151(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 42980-0002.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix B: Planting Details for Island Two, 1939

152

(NPS, Denver Service Center, Technical Information Center, STLI 42980-0003.tif)
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix C: Existing Conditions Survey, 1983 - 1984

153

This survey was based on fieldwork conducted by Bruce

Kelly, September 1983 and May 1984, as cited in Historic

Structure Report, The Main Building, pp. 79-100.

Spatial Organization

The spatial organization of the island was defined by

building placement and the walkway system and

remained unchanged from earlier periods when the

facilities were at their peak.

Land Use

The main immigration building and limited amount of

the surrounding landscape was used for interpretation,

education, and memorialization. Islands Two and

Three remained abandoned except for minimal NPS

administrative use.

Circulation

Extant walkways were concrete in poor condition,

with cracks, spalling, buckling, and indistinct edges.

No cinder walkways remained. A small amount of

boardwalk remained near the greenhouse. Circa 1903

walkways were present in front of the western wing of

the main immigration building and the kitchen and

laundry building. Circa 1937 walkways were present in

front of the eastern wing and to the rear of the main

immigration building, and east of the baggage and

dormitory building. Some of the circa 1937 walkways

had six-inch concrete curbs. Circa 1902 bluestone

curbing remained on the western end of the lawn

areas and adjacent to buildings on Island One. A

concrete gutter remained adjacent to the walk on the

western end of the lawn, perpendicular to the ferry

basin. Remnants of circa 1912 concrete apron were

extant around the hospitals on Island Two. Circa 1935

walkways in the recreation space between Islands Two

and Three remained. Remnants of a circa 1937

walkway was extant adjacent to the ferry slip seawall.

Part of this walk was demolished during seawall

reconstruction in 1976. An informal path southwest

of the new immigration building was marked by rows

of overgrown Ligustrum dating to the 1939 planting

plan.

Topography

The topography remained stable with a few sinkholes

near failing areas of the seawall. Most of the grade on

Islands One and Two was circa 1902, averaging two

feet higher than the original island elevation. The

grade on Island Three was circa 1912. The fill

between Islands Two and Three and some additional

landfill areas of Island One were graded in 1935-36.

Buildings and Structures

The granite seawall, under rehabilitation since 1976,

was in good condition. The top of the wall varied

from zero to four feet above the surrounding grade.

Twelve-inch square timbers lined the ferry slip along

the seawall. The extant timbers were replacements of

the circa 1920 originals.

Views and Vistas

Views from the island’s edge remained relatively

unchanged. Views from the buildings and across the

island were obscured by overgrown vegetation.

Small-scale Features

Lighting: Two lamp types were present. A circa

1945 “single tin crooked-neck lamp” was extant in

front of the eastern end of the main immigration

building, adjacent to the chainlink detention fence.

Between Islands Two and Three, circa 1935 Beaux

Arts lamps with badly deteriorated eight-foot

octagonal posts were located in the recreation area.

Circa 1902 Bishop’s-crook lamps were no longer

extant on the island.

Fog Bell: The 1913 fog bell was located at the

southeastern corner of Island One. It was moved to

this location circa 1935 from its original location, just

north of the current site.

Iron Bollards: Circa 1920 iron bollards were located

along the ferry slip in front of the main immigration

building. They were installed after the construction of

the granite seawall and concrete walk. The bollards

were rusted.

Fire Hydrants: Fire hydrants were extant dating

from the 1952 installation of the fire suppression

system.

Manhole Covers: Two manhole covers were present,

one circular and one rectangular. It was thought these

features dated to the first immigration station

buildings.

NPS Firebox: A 1976 NPS wooden firebox was

located in front of the main immigration building.

Water Spigot: One water spigot was located in the

lawn adjacent to the southwest entrance to the main

immigration building.
Cultural Landscape Report for Ellis Island

Appendix C: Existing Conditions Survey, 1983 - 1984

154

Flagstaffs: Two flagstaffs were present. A 1967

flagstaff and concrete base were extant on the south

end of Island One. A flagstaff base inscribed “United

States Coast Guard, Oct 1940,” was extant northeast

of the new immigration building. It is unknown if the

flagstaff was present or just the base.

Benches: Four bench types were present. A castiron bench with one-inch by four-inch wooden slats,

similar to benches in circa 1914 photographs, was

located near the railroad ticket office. A bench with

bent-steel supports on seven foot centers and wooden

slats was located on the north side of the baggage and

dormitory building. A bench with perforated cast-iron

supports and wooden slats was located west of the

new immigration building. A bench with simple steel

supports and wooden slats was located on the

northwest corner of Island Two. The wooden parts

of all of these benches were in poor condition, but

the iron or metal parts remained intact.

Waste Receptacle: A wire waste receptacle was

located behind the hospital on Island Two.

Fences: Sections of World War II-era chainlink

fencing were present adjacent to the main immigration

building, baggage and dormitory building, and

powerhouse. The chainlink baseball backstop was

present at the corner of the railroad ticket office on

the rear of the main immigration building and the

baggage and dormitory building. A circa 1950s

wooden fence was located between the powerhouse

and baggage and dormitory building. It was

constructed of two-inch by four-inch braces and

similar-size capped posts. A 1976 NPS crowd-control

fence with wooden posts and two metal cross

members was located along the walkway to the

southwest entrance to the main immigration building

and along the seawall to the new ferry building.

Walls: An eight-foot-high brick wall was extant

between the new immigration building and the

powerhouse. This circa 1937 feature was part of the

fencing used to separate detainee classes. A large hole

had been made in the wall, but it remained structurally

stable. A three-foot-high rubble wall, approximately

thirty inches wide, was extant on Island Three in an

alcove between the contagious-disease ward and

hospital ward, south of the central quadrangle. The

wall was in poor condition and workmanship

suggested it was constructed after the WPA era.