Castle Garden: The Precursor to Ellis Island

When we think of U.S. immigration, we often think of Ellis Island. But Ellis Island didn’t come into play until 1892. Millions of people came to the United States in the years prior.

From 1790 to 1820, immigration was virtually unregulated. It is estimated that between 5000 to 6000 people came freely to the young country. (These numbers do not include enslaved people.) Due to frequent overcrowding and often inadequate provisions on the ships that transported the newcomers, many of them arrived ill and exhausted.

In an effort to improve the conditions on these ships, captains were required to provide passenger lists to the U.S. customs officials beginning in 1820. Mostly, localities were left to help the new arrivals through entities like New York City’s Commissioners of Emigration. A July 24, 1855 New York Times article characterized the situation:

The “land sharks” included swindlers, thieves, or purveyors of undesirable jobs and atrocious accommodations.

The State of New York opened the first immigration station in the country at New York City’s Castle Garden in 1855 in an attempt to combat these problems.

Castle Garden began life as a military fort known as West Battery, constructed on an artificial island off the southern tip of Manhattan in the lead-up to the War of 1812. In 1815, it was renamed Castle Clinton in honor of the city’s mayor. Through an act of Congress, the fort was ceded to the city of New York in 1822. Two years later, it opened as an entertainment center called Castle Garden.

By the time Castle Garden began processing immigrants in 1855, the city had filled in land to connect it with Manhattan. It served as the main immigration depot in the United States for the next 35 years.

In addition to accounting for the immigrants, procedures were put into place to check the spread of contagious diseases by assessing their health conditions while still on the ship and then being rechecked once they arrived in Castle Garden.

Translators were provided for arrivals who did not speak English so they could be accurately registered. They could send letters or telegrams. Food and drink were available. Immigrants could exchange money and buy railroad tickets without fear of being swindled. Welfare agencies assisted those planning to stay in New York in securing legitimate employment and satisfactory accommodations.

By the time Castle Garden was closed in 1890, more than 8 million people had passed through its doors.

Today, Castle Garden is operated by the National Park Service as the Castle Clinton National Monument.

In my August newsletter, the third installment of the prequel to The Legacy details Anna's experience at Castle Garden. Sign up for my free newsletter at: www.annmarkim.com

Ann Markim

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New Release — The Tempestuous Debutante (Cotillion Ball Saga Book 4) by Becky Lower

Jasmine Fitzpatrick is determined to outshine the other debutantes this season at the Cotillion Ball—but how can she attract a husband without a new wardrobe? Her father has decreed she will be relegated to the gowns from her season the previous year—cut short by a broken ankle. Even before the glittering society season begins, impetuous Jasmine sets her sights on a man she’s never met—simply because he has an English title. Never mind he’s nearly twice her age—Alistair Wickersham, the Viscount of Pemberley, would certainly never let her be seen wearing last year’s gowns!

Jasmine and her mother, Charlotte, hatch a scheme to get the viscount to take note of Jasmine, but there are more than a few obstacles to overcome—the main one being a wealthy young widow who has already captured Alistair’s attention.

Parr O’Shaughnessy, the viscount’s handsome business partner, loses his heart the very moment he meets vivacious, spirited Jasmine. But she makes it clear to him she’s after a titled marriage—to the viscount. Parr knows he somehow must steer clear of Jasmine—or his love for her could topple his loyalty to the viscount, ruining their friendship and business dynasty.

When tragedy looms, will Jasmine see where her heart really lies? Winning Jasmine’s love could mean losing everything else Parr holds dear, but how can he live without THE TEMPESTUOUS DEBUTANTE?

EXCERPT

     Her mother reached over and patted Jasmine’s hand. “We may both have had the same topic on our minds, but we are definitely not thinking along the same lines. To begin with, you don’t need a debutante gown, since you were introduced to society last year.”
     Her uneasy stomach turned over. “But…but…No!” She leapt to her feet and began to pace the room “I was a debutante for all of fifteen minutes last season, before I fell and broke my ankle. I demand to start over. There are other nineteen-year-olds who are among those to be introduced this year.”
     Jasmine sensed moisture beginning to form at the back of her eyes. Two fat tears slid down her smooth cheeks. 
     Her mother was oblivious to her tears, though. “You know I’m sorry that your season came to such an abrupt end last April, but the rules of the debutante ball are rules, and must be followed to the letter. Annie Schemerhorn thought of everything when she introduced the ball to New York society a few years ago. You made your debut last year, so now, you will be a returning debutante. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it must be.”
     Jasmine’s tears fell in earnest now as she wrung her hands. “But you know ‘returning’ debutantes are those who are too plain to have captured a husband during their season. I cannot be one of those ‘poor unfortunates.’”