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
How Did We Invent the Dollar? Learn Its Meandering History
In this video, we will learn a short history of the U.S. Dollar.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries
Way before Amazon, the visit of the bookmobile was one of the most exciting moments. These 20 nostalgic images capture the circulating libraries of the past.
11 Unforgettable Mansions from the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age launched an American Architectural Renaissance, and testaments of it are scattered across the map of the United States to this day.
What Went Wrong with the U.S. Army's Universal Camouflage?
The U.S. Army Universal Camouflage Pattern uniform was introduced in 2004 but didn't work. Let's understand why.
Was the Statue of Liberty REALLY a Gift?
Learn about the numerous possible people who may have modeled for the Statue of Liberty, and some shocking myth-busting.
The USA 110 Years Ago... What Was It LIKE?
We take so much for granted in the modern world. Read through these astonishing facts and realize just how different life was in the US back in 1910.
20 Astounding Facts That Will Skew Your Perception of Time
These 20 mind-bending facts will show you just how warped your perception of time really is. Enjoy!
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
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.
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
20 Unforgettable Last Words Spoken By Famous People
There’s something poignaant about reading famous last words.
Things You Don’t Know About History’s Famous Artifacts
Wow, history really is an endless treasure trove of knowledge!
Learn How to Perform These Famous Magic Tricks at Home!
Magic tricks aren't always as tricky as they seem. In fact, you can learn how to perform some of the famous ones at home...
13 People Who Proved that Age is Nothing But a Number
If you think that celebrating your golden jubilee means you're past your prime, then these 13 people have something to teach you...
Your Mind Does Play Tricks On You, Say Neuroscientists
There are many sensory tricks that your mind plays on you. Find out about the different phenomena that neuroscientists have discovered over the decades.
If You Want a Smile, This Video Will Give it To You!
Watch this video to add some sugar to your day.
These Feel-Good Facts Warmed My Heart...
These feel-good facts would warm anyone's heart.
The Best of Andrea Bocelli – 5 Memorable Live Performances
It’s time to fall in love with Andrea Bocelli all over again.
Looking at a 100 Years of High School Fashions...
Here's what high schoolers wore each decade of the 20th century.
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
The Significance of Each Christmas Tree Decoration
We all tend to put up Christmas decorations and go through all the rituals every year, but do we know what the symbolism behind them is? Find out here.
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
A Beautiful Story About True Love and Devotion
This beautiful story gives true credence to the words: "True Love"
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
The Full Story of Amelia Earhart and the Nikumaroro Bones
What happened to Amelia Earhart has always remained a mystery, however a new study has now almost certainly established exactly what did.
I've Never Heard This Amazing Tale From the 2nd World War
This is going to be one of the most amazing stories you've ever heard. I guarantee it.
12 of the Most Fascinating Creatures in Norse Mythology
The world of Norse mythology is full of bizarre mythical creatures. Let’s take a look at the most fascinating ones.
20th Century Slang People Rarely Use Nowadays
Did you know that these 20th-century slang words and phrases are considered outdated?
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
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.
The Slightly Bizarre Club of Hair for Men!
Meet the largest community of men dedicated to growing and celebrating their beards and mustaches, all gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the 2012 National Beard and Mustache Championships! You have never seen so much epic, amazing and downrigh
Looking Back at the CRAZIEST World Records of 2022
2022’s Guinness World Records will make you wonder if they are for real.
The Stories Behind these Historic Swords are Fascinating
Discover the legends behind these historic swords
Discussing 10 of the Most Expensive Divorces in History
Presented are ten of history's most exorbitant divorce settlements, serving as testament to just how expensive these events can truly be.
These Pictures Smuggled out of North Korea Will Shock You
Shocking photos that reveal what life really is like in North Korea.
Can The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Ever be Cracked?
This is the world's most mysterious book, written by an unknown author in a singular alphabet and illustrated with puzzling images. What is its secret?
Experience the Dramatic Moments of WWII in Moving Color
This 13-episode television documentary series recounts the major events of World War II in HD color.
Nostalgia - '70s Teenagers Recalling the Good Times
These groovy 70's teenagers, now proud parents and grandparents, sit for a chat with their younger relatives to compare adolescence now and then.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
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
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
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.