What's happening
This resolution commemorates the 120th anniversary of the destruction of Ellis Island by fire and recognizes its historical significance to immigrants.
Why it matters
Highlights the vulnerability and resilience of America’s immigration infrastructure. The fire that destroyed the original Ellis Island Immigration Station erased key historical records and forced the construction of more durable, fireproof facilities, shaping how the nation managed future waves of immigrants.
Underscores Ellis Island’s central role in shaping American identity. By commemorating this anniversary, the resolution recognizes Ellis Island as more than just a processing center—it was a gateway where millions began their journey to citizenship, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the United States.
Acknowledges the loss of invaluable historical records. The destruction of immigration documents dating back to 1855 is a poignant reminder of the fragility of historical memory and the importance of safeguarding records that form part of the nation’s immigrant heritage.
Connects past immigrant experiences to present-day values. The resolution encourages reflection on the principles and aspirations that drew immigrants to America, reinforcing New York’s—and the nation’s—commitment to diversity, opportunity, and the rule of law.
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Commemorate Ellis Island Fire
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 2560 BY: Senator PARKER COMMEMORATING the 120th Anniversary of the destruction of Ellis Island by fire on Wednesday,
June 14, 2017 WHEREAS, From 1892 to 1954 over 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor, within the shadows of the Statue of Liberty; only five years after its
1892 opening, the Ellis Island Immigration Station burned to the ground; it was not until December 17, 1900, that the new Main Building was opened, receiving 2,251 immigrants on that day alone; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body celebrates the importance of… Show allHide
1892 opening, the Ellis Island Immigration Station burned to the ground; it was not until December 17, 1900, that the new Main Building was opened, receiving 2,251 immigrants on that day alone; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body celebrates the importance of Ellis Island in the State of New York and in New York City as a first step for those who were to become New Americans; in doing so, we, as citizens of this great State and this Nation, acknowledge the role of Ellis Island in realizing the dreams of millions who came to America to pursue the ideals of our founders; and WHEREAS, Prior to 1890, the individual states regulated immigration into the United States; the first large wave of eight million immigrants entered New York from 1850 to 1890, primarily from Northern and Western Europe, many through Castle Garden on Ellis Island, part of a system of harbor fortifications; and WHEREAS, It became apparent that the facility was ill-equipped to deal with the huge influx of immigrants, so the federal government constructed a new federally-operated immigration station on Ellis Island; the fire that ensued burned the buildings to the ground, destroying immigration records dating to 1855; thereafter, all future structures had to be fireproof; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring that the citizens of New York State understand, remain dedicated to, and are protected by the principles of government under the law that was the impetus for the emigration of twenty million European immigrants, and untold numbers of other immigrants from the entire world since then; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of the destruction of Ellis Island by fire that destroyed what was to become the very symbol of the American Dream, now a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and to recognize the 117th Anniversary of the reopening of this historical island; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.
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