Major Immigration Islands for European Arrivals: Ellis, Angel, and Others

Several islands served as immigration gateways for Europeans:

• Ellis Island (New York)—busiest U.S. station, 12M+ arrivals (1892–1954), mostly Europeans.
• Angel Island (San Francisco)—West Coast hub (1910–1940), processed Europeans, Asians, Latin Americans.
• Grosse Île (Quebec)—Canadian quarantine station for European immigrants (1832–1937).
• Partridge Island (New Brunswick)—similar role for Canadian arrivals.
• Robben Island (South Africa)—not an immigration station; used as a prison (including European anti-apartheid activists).

Ellis Island remains the iconic symbol of European immigration to America.