A Look at the People Coming Through Ellis Island: Portraits of Early 20th Century Immigration (1907)

📌 Explore the diversity of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in the early 1900s through compelling stories, vivid photographs, and key statistics. Learn about the cultural, financial, and social aspects of immigration to the United States during a pivotal period.

A Look At The People Coming Through Ellis Island

Overview and Relevance to Immigration Studies 🌍📚

This article, A Look At The People Coming Through Ellis Island, from National Geographic Magazine (May 1907), provides an insightful snapshot into the massive wave of immigration to the United States during the early 20th century. The article highlights the diverse origins of immigrants, their financial conditions, and physical characteristics, offering valuable context for teachers, students, genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the social, cultural, and economic effects of immigration.

The article not only offers vivid imagery but also contains important statistics that shed light on the scope of immigration at the time. It serves as a primary source for understanding the ethnic makeup and the challenges immigrants faced, providing essential information for immigration studies and genealogy research.

Cossack Immigrants, of whom about 5,500 were admitted in 1906. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9a02a47b

The following series of illustrations, showing different types of immigrants now pouring into the United States in even greater numbers than in 1905 and 1906, were obtained through the courtesy of Hon. F. P. Sargent, Commissioner General of Immigration.

The immigrants were photographed immediately after disembarking and were shown here just as they landed. Most of them were still clad in their native costumes, which would be discarded, however, within a few hours.

No migration in history is comparable to the great hordes that have crossed the Atlantic during the past 20 years to enter our territory. In 1905, 1,026,499 immigrants were admitted; in 1906, 1,100,735, and in the present year, the total will exceed the record of 1906 by many thousands. Since June 30, 1900, 6,000,000 have been admitted, of whom probably 5,500,000 have settled permanently in the United States.

The report of Mr. Sargent for 1906, recently issued, contains much interesting information about the character and qualifications of the immigrants. The most striking fact is that less than 5 percent of the newcomers have reached or passed the age of 45.

Of the arrivals in 1906, 913,955 ranged in age from 14 to 44, 136,273 were less than 14 years old, and only 50,507 had reached or passed the age of 45. Over two-thirds of the immigrants were males, 764,463 men and boys, and 336,272 women and girls.

About 28 percent of the total number were illiterate, which is a substantial proportion when we consider that only 6.2 percent of the total white population of the United States and only 4.6 percent of the native-born whites in 1900 were illiterate.

The immigrants brought cash to the country, amounting to $25,109,413. It is exceedingly interesting to note the difference in financial condition between certain races.

For instance, while the number of Hebrew aliens admitted was more than three times as great as the number of English, the former brought $2,362,125 with them and the latter $2,610,439, while the 144,954 Germans and Scandinavians brought $5,091,594; the 263,655 South Italians and Greeks brought only $4,183,398, and while 16,463 Scotch were able to show $820,759, more than twice as many members of the Slovak race produced only $526,028.

During the year, 12,432 aliens were debarred, of whom 2,495 belonged to the Hebrew race, 2,121 to the Italian, 1,000 to the Polish, and 1,867 to the German.

More than one-third of the entire number of immigrants-374,708 stated that they intended to stay in the State of New York, while one-sixth of them-198,681 —asserted that they were going to Pennsylvania; 86,539, or about one-twelfth, were avowedly destined to Illinois; 73,863 intended to reside in Massachusetts, and 58,415 were en route to New Jersey; 880,036 entered through New York, 62,229 through Boston, 54,064 through Baltimore, 23,186 through Philadelphia, 6,201 through Galveston, and 2,051 through New Orleans.

A German Family of One Daughter and Seven Sons. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9a82ada7

While the proportion of Germans arriving is much less than in former years, considerable numbers are still seeking the United States. The total in 1906 was 86,813. One-half of these, 37,564, came from Germany.

A Scotch Family of Seven Daughters and Four Sons. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9abf7d7b

The United Kingdom sent us 102,193 immigrants in 1906, as follows: England, 49,491; Ireland, 34,995; Scotland, 15,866; Wales, 1,841. More than two-thirds of our total annual immigration are men and boys, 764,463 males and 336,272 females in 1906.

Typical Russian Hebrew Family. 153,748 Hebrews were admitted in 1906. This year the number will be greater. They come principally from Russia. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9ad0eb97

Finnish Girl | Russian Sisters. 14,000 Finns arrived in 1906. The Russian Empire contributed 215,665 of our immigrants in 1906 most of them being Hebrews. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID #1d9aebb665

Alsace Lorraine Girl | Finnish Family. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9b8eb1ad

Polish and Slovak Women. Immigrant ID Tags Are Visible, Attached to the Outer Garment. 135,000 of these people were admitted in 1906. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9b7c3c28

Ruthenian (Belorussian) Girl | Typical Southern Italian Girl. 286,814 Italians arrived in 1906, of whom 240,528 were from Southern Italy and Sicily. The Romanians come from Galicia, in Austria-Hungary, and numbered 16,257. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9ba56d04

Holland Children | Holland Women. About 5,000 people from The Netherlands arrive yearly. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9be7e459

Typical Romanian Peasant. Little Rumania sent us 4,500 of her men and women in 1906. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9c36c730

Romanian Shepherd's Family as They Appeared on landing in New York. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9c5ee829

Hindus and Parsis. Less than one hundred arrived last year. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9c5ee829

Group of Arabs. Only a few representatives of this people come to the United States. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9caf4cc9

Hungarian Family at Ellis Island. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9cd3e442

Serbian Gypsies at Ellis Island. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9cfaa787

Children's Roof Garden at Ellis Island. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9d0c19a8

Excluded Gypsies About To Be Deported. National Geographic Magazine, May 1907. GGA Image ID # 1d9d19ff90

Some of Our Immigrants

Immigrant Aliens Admitted into the United States, by Countries, During the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1906

The new immigrant law, which goes into effect July 1, contains important restrictions that will enable immigration officials to debar imbeciles, weak-minded, and other undesirable classes with greater effectiveness than in the past. It also includes a provision preventing the entrance of children under 14 years of age unless accompanied by, or intended for, the parent or guardian.

The law also increases each immigrant's head or entrance tax from $2 to $4. While the law sharply defines the undesirable classes, it is doubtful if it will reduce the number of immigrants now seeking our land.

"Some of Our Immigrants," in The National Geographic Magazine, Vol XVIII, No. 5, May 1907, pp. 317-334.

Key Highlights and Engaging Content ✨

Diverse Immigrant Populations 🌎

The article provides captivating visuals of various immigrant families arriving at Ellis Island, wearing native costumes and carrying distinct ethnic features. The photographs of different ethnicities, such as Cossacks, Russians, Italians, Poles, and Hebrews, give readers an intimate glimpse into the cultural diversity of immigrants.

📸 Noteworthy Image: "Cossack Immigrants, of whom about 5,500 were admitted in 1906" — This striking image gives insight into the traditional attire and distinct ethnic features of the Cossack immigrants, showcasing the diversity of those arriving.

Immigration Statistics and Economic Contributions 💰

The article highlights the significant immigration numbers, noting that in 1906 alone, 1,100,735 immigrants were admitted, a figure that exceeds previous years. An interesting financial statistic is the total sum immigrants brought with them—$25,109,413—which gives a fascinating look into the economic impact of immigration at the time.

📚 Key Insight: Hebrews contributed $2,362,125, while Italians brought only $4,183,398 despite having a much larger share of the immigrant population. This financial disparity reflects differing socio-economic conditions of the countries of origin and provides historians with a lens to study how immigrants’ economic contributions influenced the U.S. economy.

Immigration Law and Social Impact ⚖️

The article introduces new immigration laws that came into effect in 1907, including a higher head tax and stricter debarment of undesirable classes, such as imbeciles, weak-minded individuals, and children under 14 not accompanied by their parents.

📚 Engaging Insight: This section is particularly important for understanding how immigration policies evolved, focusing on how the U.S. government began tightening regulations in response to the growing number of immigrants. It also touches upon the social anxiety that accompanied mass immigration during this period.

Illustrating Immigrant Diversity 📸

The article includes a series of vivid photographs depicting various immigrant families:

• "A German Family of One Daughter and Seven Sons"
• "A Scotch Family of Seven Daughters and Four Sons"
• "Typical Russian Hebrew Family"
• "Typical Romanian Peasant"
• "Serbian Gypsies at Ellis Island"

These photos provide an emotional and visual understanding of the family dynamics of immigrants, highlighting their hopes, struggles, and cultural backgrounds.

📸 Noteworthy Image: "Typical Russian Hebrew Family" — This photograph encapsulates the ethnic diversity of immigrants, particularly Hebrew immigrants, who made up a significant portion of those arriving in the U.S. in 1906.

Immigrant Destinations in the U.S. 🗺️

The article also delves into the destinations of immigrants within the United States. A large proportion of immigrants planned to settle in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Massachusetts, while some were bound for states like Colorado and New Jersey. This reveals the geographic patterns of migration, driven by industrial demand and availability of jobs.

📚 Key Insight: The significant proportion of immigrants headed to New York and Pennsylvania highlights these states as central hubs for immigration and economic growth, which would later influence urban and industrial development.

Educational and Historical Insights 📖🕵️‍♂️

📌 For Teachers and Students: This article is an excellent primary source for studying immigration history in the U.S. Students can use this to explore the socio-economic impacts of immigration, cultural diversity, and family dynamics within the immigrant population. Teachers can also use the statistics and photographs to engage students in discussions about the role of immigration policy and its effects on the country’s development.

📌 For Genealogists: For those tracing immigrant ancestors, this article offers essential insights into the ethnic backgrounds of immigrants arriving in the early 1900s. The photographs and ethnographic details provide a personal touch that can help genealogists understand their ancestors' possible experiences and cultural heritage upon arrival.

📌 For Historians: The article offers a valuable snapshot of immigration trends and patterns, including the financial conditions of different immigrant groups and the challenges they faced. This context can enrich historical research on how the U.S. economy was shaped by these waves of immigration and the changing immigration policies over time.

Final Thoughts 🌟

A Look At The People Coming Through Ellis Island offers an in-depth and personalized view of the immigrant experience at the turn of the 20th century. The article brings statistics, photographs, and individual stories together to create a rich tapestry of the challenges and contributions of the millions of people who entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.

Whether for classroom use, genealogy research, or historical study, this resource provides crucial insights into the cultural diversity, economic contributions, and evolving immigration policies of the time, making it an invaluable asset for anyone studying immigration history.

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