Car Rental New York and Ellis Island

To understand the background of any country or city, it is important to understand the history of that place. New York undoubtedly has the richest history than any other state in the U.S. The people are what make a city what it is, and without the immigration movement in the 19th century, New York would not be the place it is today. Be a part of New York history during your car rental New York trip!

What is Ellis Island?

Ellis Island is a symbol of America's immigrant heritage. From 1892 to 1954, this immigrant depot processed the greatest number of incoming people in the nation's history. Nearly twelve million landed to Ellis Island in their search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity.

Ellis Island is located at the mouth of the Hudson River in New York Harbor. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries this was the main immigration port for immigrants entering the United States. The island is largely artificially created through landfill process. It has an official land area of 129,619 square meters, or 32.03 acres, more than 83 percent of which lies in the city of Jersey City. The natural portion of the island lying in New York City, is 21,458 square meters.

The name came from local farmer and merchant, Samuel Ellis. Samuel Ellis was a colonial New Yorker from Wales who owned the island during the late 1700s and kept a tavern, serving sailors and local fishermen.

History of Ellis Island

Ellis Island was the first stop for most immigrants from Europe. It was here that many were processed before they could enter the United States. First, they had to pass a physical examination. Next, they were asked a series of questions, including name, occupation, work experience, and the amount of money they carried with them. Generally, those immigrants who were approved spent from hours up to a day at Ellis Island. After 1924, Ellis Island was only used for detainees and refugees. Ordinary immigrants were processed through other facilities.

Ellis Island Museum

Today, you can experience Ellis Island during your car rental New York trip through the museum now located on the Island. It is reachable by ferry from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey and from the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. The Statue of Liberty, sometimes thought to be on Ellis Island because of its symbolism as a welcome to immigrants, is actually on nearby Liberty Island, which is about a 1/2 mile North.

Getting to Ellis Island

Ellis Island Immigration Museum is accessible via the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry from Battery Park in lower Manhattan, New York or Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey.

To get to the ferry from Manhattan via your rental car New York, use the FDR Drive (Harlem River Parkway) on the East Side, or the Henry Hudson/Westside Highway. Both roadways lead to Battery Park. Parking for your car rental New York is available for charges from municipal parking companies. Walk through Battery Park to Castle Clinton, where you purchase ferry tickets

From New Jersey, take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 14B, and follow signs to Liberty State Park and the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry service. Ample parking exists for your car rental New York at Liberty State Park for a nominal fee.

Ellis Island is one of the most heavily visited monuments so carefully planning your car rental New York trip will make it more enjoyable and less stressful. So be sure to call ahead and make your reservations so you don't miss out on this truly inspiring experience.

Check out the All Car Rent a Car location at 111 Quintard Street, Staten Island, NY 10305