After processing more than 12 million immigrants, Ellis Island closed its doors in 1954 and fell into disrepair for decades. “It was a ruin. … There were trees growing in the great hall ...

Between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal at Ellis Island, enshrining it as an icon of America's welcome. That story is well known.

Between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal at Ellis Island, enshrining it as an icon of America's welcome. That story is well known.