Castle Garden

Castle Garden, originally Castle Clinton, a round fort (1807) built 300 yards out from the south end of Manhattan Island, was in 1824 converted into a place of amusement, in 1839 planted with trees, turf, and flowers, in 1847 again transformed into an opera-house, and in 1858 made the immigration depot of New York. In 1890 this depot was transferred to Ellis Island in New York Harbour, and there steerage immigrants are landed, questioned on behalf of the official Commissioners, and advised where they are likely to find employment. The officials speak all European tongues. The expenses are now defrayed by the state.