Abandoned Ellis Island Morgue and Hospital Not Open for Tourist but Someone Went Behind the Scenes




Thanks to Jessica Causey for posting a link to this article on our Hellenic Genealogy Geek Facebook group.  

ABANDONED ELLIS ISLAND MORGUE AND HOSPITAL NOT OPEN FOR TOURIST BUT SOMEONE WENT BEHIND THE SCENES

Those who had ancestors who came through Ellis Island, or those who just find history interesting, might not expect that everyone who came through Ellis Island had to be meticulously inspected before being able to enter the United States as a citizen.

There were more than 12 million people who had hoped to make a better life for themselves in the United States during the years of 1892 and 1954.  However, those people who endured the long journey to make it the United States wouldn’t be let through if they failed the inspections.  And people who arrived sick had to be taken to Ellis Island’s hospital; those who died on the ship during the journey were taken to the morgue.
Today, Ellis Island is open for tours for those who want to learn more about their heritage and ancestors.  Nearly 40% of tourists who visit the island are able to trace their lineage back to their ancestors who arrived there.  The tourist attraction was briefly closed after Superstorm Sandy, but once it was cleaned up it was reopened for tours once more. While the inspection hall is open for viewing, the morgue and hospital remain closed.  Until now, many probably did not even realize that Ellis Island had a hospital and morgue. Both places have been untouched since 1954. . . . . 


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