The highest number of immigrants ever processed at Ellis Island in a single day was 11,747.
This remarkable record was set on April 17, 1907, marking an all-time high for daily immigrant arrivals at the iconic gateway to America.
A Record-Breaking Day in Immigration History
The year 1907 was a peak period for immigration to the United States, with Ellis Island experiencing an unprecedented volume of arrivals. Throughout that year, approximately 1.25 million immigrants were processed at the facility. The sheer scale of operations on April 17, 1907, underscores the immense human tide flowing into the country during the early 20th century.
Here are the key facts about Ellis Island's busiest day:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | April 17, 1907 |
| Immigrants Processed | 11,747 |
| Significance | All-time daily record |
| Context | Part of the 1.25 million immigrants processed in 1907 |
The Peak Years of Ellis Island Operations
The period leading up to and including 1907 saw Ellis Island at the forefront of American immigration. Millions of individuals from various parts of the world, particularly Europe, passed through its doors seeking new opportunities and a better life. The daily processing involved a series of examinations and interviews designed to assess the health and legal standing of each newcomer.
Key aspects of Ellis Island's processing included:
- Medical Inspections: Immigrants underwent quick health examinations to identify potential contagions or debilitating conditions.
- Legal Inspections: Officials questioned immigrants about their background, financial means, and destination to ensure they met immigration requirements.
- Information Gathering: Details such as names, ages, origins, and intended destinations were recorded.
Understanding the Immigration Process
Processing over ten thousand people in a single day was a monumental logistical challenge for the staff at Ellis Island. The efficient, though often rigorous, system was designed to handle large crowds while attempting to ensure national security and public health. This daily record stands as a testament to both the overwhelming desire of immigrants to enter the United States and the scale of the operations required to manage such an influx.
