I visited Ellis Island last year for the first time even though I live only a few miles away. I found it very interesting. In this room people were first checked out. Some would make it through and some would not. If I remember correctly if they put a chalk mark on your coat you were subject to further screening. Some would never leave the Island and pass there. My maternal Grandparents from Ireland both came through here.

My Grandmother came through there at age 14 all by herself,no English.Brought in by a NJ doctor to be a housemaid.