You are here

National Park Mystery Photo 15 Revealed: Annie Moore Was First at Ellis Island

Annie Moore was the first immigrant processed through Ellis Island. National Park System photo.

That wisp of a smile belonged to Annie Moore, the first immigrant processed at Ellis island, which is now the Ellis Island National Monument component of Statue of Liberty National Monument.

An Irish lass, Annie was just 15 when she and two brothers arrived on Ellis Island on January 1, 1892, to gain entry to the United States. She proved to be something of a mystery in her own day. For many decades it was believed that she had gone west with her family, settled in Texas, married a descendant of the Irish liberator Daniel O’Connell, and then died in a streetcar accident.

But now we know that the real Annie Moore lived out her life only a few miles away on New York’s Lower East Side. She married a bakery clerk, had 11 children, and had a pretty hard life. In true American fashion, however, her descendants multiplied and many of them prospered. A bronze statue of Annie Moore was dedicated at Ellis Island in 1993.

Add comment

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.