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
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.
Do You Live in One of the 10 Oldest US Capitals?
Learn about the 10 oldest capital cities in the USA.
Everything You Didn't Know About Central Park
We're sharing all the nitty-gritty about Central Park's history, some facts you almost certainly didn't know, and some vintage iconic photos of the Park.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
20 Previously Unseen 20th-Century Celebrity Portraits
Enjoy this beautiful collection of unseen 20th-century celebrity portraits by the famous American photographer Philippe Halsman.
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
1967 Classic: Tommy James and The Shondells Live
Groove to the tunes of Tommy James & The Shondells from this classic 1967 musical video.
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
These Photos Make Sure We Will Never Forget WW2
These photos document some of the moments of this epic yet haunting time in our history. I hope that future generations will not forget the lessons that war has taught us.
98-Year-Old Gives a Brilliant Live Piano Performance!
American Singer Josh Turner's very talented grandmother-in-law gets a standing ovation for playing "How Great Thou Art" on the Piano.
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
11 Surprising Things You Never Knew About the Titanic
We bet you didn’t know these surprising facts about the Titanic!
Take a Look At the Many Secrets of Life in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt always fascinates us. But do we really know how daily life in that civilization was like? Watch his video to learn more.
The Best Shows and Movies on Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ is full of wonderful movies and shows. Here’s a complete guide.
When Animals Go Rogue: True Tales of Man-Eating Animals
Throughout history, many animals have turned into deadly man-eaters. Here’s a list of the most intense books on the subject.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
20 Surprising Geographical Maps to Ignite Your Curiosity
Discover some amazing and surprising geographical facts with these colorful and fun maps.
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
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.
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
These Maps Are Guaranteed to Teach You About the USA
The USA becomes all the more fascinating when you collate a ton of different maps containing insightful demographic data. Take a look at this map compilation.
Fascinating Facts About The Middle Ages You Never Knew
If you thought you had read everything about the Middle Ages in school, you are mistaken. Read these interesting facts from that era.
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
This Cat Has Broken the Record for the Loudest Purr!
This Cat Has Purred Her Way Into the Record Books!
The Story of Skidboot: An Amazing Dog!
The story of Skidboot is a happy and sad one...
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Seen
Watch this mesmerizing duet from 1981 featuring Donovan and Crystal Gayle. This live performance is their rendition of the classic 60s song ‘Catch the Wind’
10 Questions You Always Wanted the Answer To
Let's dive into ten questions you've always wanted to ask and uncover the intriguing science behind everyday phenomena.
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
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.
How Did We Invent the Dollar? Learn Its Meandering History
In this video, we will learn a short history of the U.S. Dollar.
Meet the Genius Who Recorded Humanity's First Sound
Do you know who Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville is? You should!
Marilyn Monroe's 15 Unforgettable Quotes That Resonate
These Marilyn Monroe quotes will change what you think of her.
From Ages 7 to 93 these People Share Tips on Ageing Gracefully
Watch people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
Was The First Famous War Photo in History Staged?
“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is the first famous war photo in history, but journalists started questioning its genuineness. Was this famous photo staged?
Full Documentary: Genghis Khan's Legendary Mongol Empire
Learn all about his incredible conquests of the legendary Genghis Khan this cinematic full-length documentary.
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.
100 Years of Change: How Old London Compares With the New
The earliest recorded video of London was more than a century ago. Compare it to London today!
10 of the Most Interesting Popes in History
The papacy has been ongoing ever since the time of St. Peter, but some popes stand out as being more historically significant than others. Take a look.
Things You Don’t Know About History’s Famous Artifacts
Wow, history really is an endless treasure trove of knowledge!
12 Freaky Photos of Olympians That Will Shock You
These surreal pictures of Olympians will make you see athletes in a different light.