Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: New York

For Students 3rd - 5th
Who were the first settlers in New York? Where should you "stop and smell the lilacs?" Who was Solomon Northup? Aren't sure about the answers to these questions. Use this site to learn some interesting facts about the state of New York.
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Ellis Island

For Students 9th - 10th
Tells the story of Ellis Island, the first stop for immigrants arriving in New York City beginning in 1890. Describes the process would-be immigrants to America had to go through before being allowed to board a trans-Atlantic ship, the...
Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Ellis Island: Colonial and Early American New York 1609 1890

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the history of New York and of how the United States government came to acquire Ellis Island. Fort Gibson was built there prior to the War of 1812 to serve as a strategic post in case of attack.
Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Ellis Island: Oyster Island

For Students 9th - 10th
Before Ellis Island was an immigrant processing center, it was visited by Algonquin peoples to harvest the oyster beds, hence the name 'Oyster Island' which was given to it by the Dutch. Two other islands in the same area were also...