The land of freedom

On Monday of this week we had the opportunity to take the ferry boat to liberty Island and Ellis Island. 

Ferry boats shuttle visitors all day long to these two important historical sites. We were able to go on a beautiful day.

Lady liberty is most impressive up close.  The pedestal holding the statue is 10 stories high itself.

The statue was donated to the United States as a gift from France. Construction was completed in 1886. Mr. Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, also designed Lady liberty.

Ellis Island was also most impressive. From 1892 to 1924, it serves as the main gateway for immigrants coming to the United States from Europe.  The site is now used as a history Museum, which depicts the ways and times people came to this country. 

First class passengers were dropped off directly on Manhattan Island, but second-class and third class passengers had to go first to Ellis Island to be sorted out and then set for us to the new land.  The "sorting out" process occurred in this large room.

It was known as the registry room.

The famous poem, "give me your poor, your huddled masses. . . " was penned in honor of the Statue of Liberty.

It was truly a day to remember.