It’s no secret that the USA is a country built on immigration, however, I never imagined the diversity of the melting pot of people that were coming through the Ellis Island immigration station in New York during the early part of the 20th Century!
The Ellis Island immigration station processed a staggering 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Its peak year was 1907, during which over 1 million immigrants, between 3,000 and 5,000 per day, were processed during a single year.
The immigrants mostly came from Europe and its periphery, and most entered the USA after just a few hours of questioning. Some, however, were detained for longer periods.
It was during this detention period that Augustus Francis Sherman, Ellis Island’s chief registry clerk, spent his time persuading the new arrivals to put on their finest clothes or national dress and be photographed by him.
His photographs, which simply had his subject’s place of origin as caption, were first published in National Geographic in 1907.
A most incredible statistic is that 100 million of America’s 322 million people can trace their ancestry back to individuals that arrived in the country via the Ellis Island immigration station. Take a look at these beautiful vintage portrait shots:
Source: mashable
Photos: Augustus Francis Sherman
The American Quiz: How Well Do You Know America?
How well do you know America? Test your knowledge with this 4th of July-themed quiz!
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
Do You Live in One of the 10 Oldest US Capitals?
Learn about the 10 oldest capital cities in the USA.
QUIZ: Which Founding Father Were You in a Past Life?
Do you think you were the great George Washington, the confident Thomas Jefferson, or perhaps someone else? Take this personality quiz and find out!
Watch the Oldest Recorded Footage of New York City
Watch super-rare footage of old NYC that goes back to the late 1800's, complete with a corresponding map to show you where exactly it was shot from.
A Stroll Down Market Street, San Francisco in 1906
Hop on the wagon, we're going strolling down Market street in 1906's San Francisco with our horse and carriage!
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
This Brilliant Talk Taught Me to Let Go of My Delusions
Isaac Lidksy has had quite an amazing life of success, which he puts down to a stunning realization that blindness gave him. Watch. You won't be disappointed.
10 Truly Bizarre Facts About Life in Ancient Rome
Chances are, you would be shocked if you traveled through time and suddenly appeared in Ancient Rome, as these 10 bizarre facts surely prove.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
A Massive Gorrila, But Watch Her With Kittens...
This video is amazing, I never knew gorillas could be like this.
The Many Ways Companies Try to Avoid Age Discrimination Claims
Companies who are looking to ditch their older employees can be creative in the ways they do so in order to avoid discrimination claims. Here's how...
I Grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church: Here's My Story
Megan Phelps-Roper used to be part of America's most reviled group, the Westboro Baptist Church. In this talk she tells how she decided to leave them behind.
21 Tips to Make Your Golden Years the Time of Your Life
Many seniors will offer a different piece of advice on life. This collection of tips will allow you to live the most wondrous golden years imaginable.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
These Archaeological Finds Reveal Incredible Stories
These latest excavations and fascinating finds will fascinate you.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
These 18 Bold Predictions Were Actually Proven to Be False
Some of the great and good of science, industry and entertainment made bold predictions in the past that proved to be completely false. Take a look.
I Just Wanted to Remind You: You're the BEST!
Do you know someone who ought to be given some appreciation? Make their day today by congratulating them with a sweet compliment!
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
You Won't Believe People Actually Collect These Things
Check out these strange things people actually collect.
1 Day in Pompeii: Experience That Fateful Day!
One day in 79 AD the city of Pompeii was tragically destroyed by an extraordinary volcanic eruption. This video shows you just how the scene would have unfolded.
Unveiling the Great Achievements of the Han Dynasty
In this article, we’ll explore the great achievements of the Han Dynasty, examine how they shaped the future of China
8 Shocking Historical Discoveries of the Last 20 Years
Let’s take a look at some of the most shocking historical discoveries and findings made since 2001
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
The Story of the Roman Atlantis: The Ancient City of Baiae
In this article, we will explore what life was like in Baiae, why the city sank, and its rediscovery by explorers.
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
10 Richest People From History You Should Know About
A look at 10 of the richest people that lived in history. From emperor Mansa Musa to Muammar Gaddafi, it presents the insane sums these people had.
What a Mesmerizingly Beautiful Blooming Flowers Timelapse!
It took one photographer 9 months to record the images for this mesmerizing timelapse film. Watch flowers bloom like never before.
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
Do You Remember Playing Like These Photographed Children?
In the days before cellphones, the internet, and the like, we children had to learn how to make our fun. Remember playing like these retro kids?
12 Vintage Christmas Songs That Still Warm Hearts
These classic Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season.
Can You Guess the English Word With Over 600 Meanings?
The English language has been around for so many centuries, it has gathered quite an elusive and industrious history, as seen in these facts
This Man Will Teach You to Speak So You Are Always Heard
Julian Treasure is a sound expert who has been researching human speech and the psychology behind it and is now sharing his findings, teaching people how to speak so that others will listen.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
15 People Who Have the STRANGEST Hobbies
Some people's hobbies, as it turns out, are stranger than others. Here are 15 bizarre yet cool hobbies keeping people busy
16 Wonderful Japanese Ideas We Should All Start Copying
The Japanese are unique. Their ways seem perfectly designed to help the population live happy fruitful lives. Here are 16 cool Japanese things we should copy.
Emperor Augustus: How Does History Judge Him?
When speaking of great Roman emperors, perhaps the first that comes to mind is Augustus, who reigned for 41 years and is thought of as the founder of the Roman principle.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
These Old Photos Show a Fascinating Side of History
Each one of these remarkable photos tells a story of bygone history. See how much the world has changed with scenes of both famous faces, events and everyday moments.