Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892 and became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum in1990.

Recognized as one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of from the people of France to the people of the United States in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.