Between 1892 and 1924, over 22 million people immigrated to America via Ellis Island. It served as the center for processing new immigrants who arrived in the New York City area. The island was named for Samuel Ellis, its last private owner in the late 1700s. In the 1800s it was home to Fort Gibson and was used for military defense purposes. The federal government took control of immigration from the states in 1891. A larger facility was required in the New York City area and Ellis Island was the site selected.

After 1924, the year that Henry Hupperich passed through its doors, immigration policy changed and fewer immigrants were accepted. The island's main function changed to a detention centre and it finally closed its doors in 1954.

In 1990 the Main Building was restored and is now a museum honoring all immigrants to America. As part of the establishment of the museum, the "American Immigration Wall of Honor" was erected behind the Main Building to pay tribute to all those who immigrated to the United States. Over a half million immigrants' names are inscribed on its copper panels. [Photo credit: www.wallofhonor.com]

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