Ellis Island Never Burned Down—The Buildings Still Stand

Contrary to a persistent myth, Ellis Island was never destroyed by fire. While several small fires occurred over the years—most notably a 1897 blaze that damaged the original wooden immigration station—the main brick-and-limestone complex built in 1900 survives intact. Today, the fully restored buildings house the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The island's structures are a testament to early 20th-century fireproof construction and ongoing preservation efforts.