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
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.
20 Previously Unseen 20th-Century Celebrity Portraits
Enjoy this beautiful collection of unseen 20th-century celebrity portraits by the famous American photographer Philippe Halsman.
10 of the Oldest Amusement Parks in the USA
Check out the 10 oldest amusement parks in the USA! Which of these did you visit?
The Surprising Origin of the Frozen TV Dinner
Frozen 'TV dinners' once dominated the American market. This is the surprising origins story of this popular food.
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.
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!
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
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’
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
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".
Look Back at These Iconic Royal Wedding Photos
Royal Weddings were always a cause for public celebration and fascination. Here are some of the most iconic royal wedding photos in history.
Check Your Pockets Now! This Quarter Is Worth Thousands!
There's a quarter out there that is worth thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to look out for.
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
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!
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
22 Words Uttered By Writers In Their Final Moments
The world's most famous writers had a way with words right up until the point of their deaths, as these 22 images are about to show you.
These Naval Battles Changed the Course of History
History has been witness to some momentous naval battles. Here is a look at some of the greatest.
Rare Photos Showing What Flying on the Zeppelin Was Like
Rare photos showing why flights on the Zeppelin and Hindenburg were expensive.
I Had No Idea These Brand Names Are Actually Acronyms
There are loads of brand names out there that are actually acronyms, and here are some of the most surprising ones!
50 Years On, Looking Back at the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was one of the greatest heists in British history. This documentary could be the last chance to find out the answers everyone wants...
1967 Classic: Tommy James and The Shondells Live
Groove to the tunes of Tommy James & The Shondells from this classic 1967 musical video.
The Fascinating Ways Our Fruits and Veggies Are Grown...
Here are some of the amazing the ways that fruits and veggies grow that may be new to you!
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
This Magical Shadow Dance Show Will Leave You in Tears
The most beautiful shadow dance performance.
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
The Most Insightful Quotes From the Mind of Albert Einstein
Allow me to share some of the insightful quotes that came out of Albert Einstein's head
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.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
10 Things You Didn't Know Were Invented By Native Americans
Learn about some super useful inventions that the Native Americans contributed to the world.
15 of the Best Books for Seniors and Older Adults
Check out our definitive list of amazing books that every senior will enjoy.
The Incredible Story of a Boy Surviving 49 Days at Sea!
This Indonesian teenager managed to survive almost 50 days at sea while adrift in a floating wooden hut. Learn all about his amazing story here.
12 Typical American Things That Didn’t Originate in the US
Many things we often think are typically American, such as cowboys, comic strips and mac & cheese, have actually started far away from the USA
Louis Armstrong Said it Best, Didn't He...?
This amazing song can really open your eyes to nature's beauty, and the beauty we make for ourselves.
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
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.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
Each Of These 35 Places Represents a Worldly High or Low
When it comes to records, these countries and cities stand at the top (and bottom) of the tree.
9 Facts About Ancient Egypt You Probably Didn’t Know
Venture beyond the usual facts about the pyramids and Tutankhamen and learn 9 equally fascinating facts and misconceptions about Ancient Egypt
Unseen & Rare Photos from History You Will Love
We bet you haven’t seen these amazing historical photos before.
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
The English Samurai: The True History Behind 'Shogun'
In this article, we will look at the TRUE history behind the celebrated book Shogun.
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
Romeo & Juliet Ballet: A Timeless Tale of Love and Tragedy
Watch the famous balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in a captivating ballet duet.
Impress Your Friends With These Quirky Latin Phrases
Make yourself look wiser and more romantic by using these ten Latin phrases on a daily basis.