Angel Island Immigration Station reopens for tourism
Photo by CNR CLLNS
In 1910, an immigration station began operation on Angel Island. At that time, it was used primarily to detain Chinese immigrants. It was touted as the "Ellis Island of the West, because of the location. Angel Island is the largest island in the San Francisco Bay, located one mile south of the Tiburon Peninsula. It is accessible only by commercial ferries and private boats. It was considered ideal because of its isolation. From 1910 - 1940, it was the landing point for most Chinese immigrants and approximately 175,000 people came to Angel Island. According to the website for Angel Island's Immigration station, the average detention was two to three weeks, but many stayed for months and few were forced to remain on the island for two years.
The station fell into disrepair for many years and the island was used for other purposes. In 2000, California voters passed a proposition to repair the station. It has now re-opened although the renovation process is not yet complete. A museum is now opened in the old barracks buildings. It includes a re-creation of one of the dormitories and features some of the poems that were carved into the walls by people who were detained there.
The Immigration station is worth a visit for anyone wishing to know more about this period in our immigration history. According to the Immigration Station's website, the museum is open on the weekends from April to November. You can also arrange for a private tour by calling the Angel Island State Park Volunteer Coordinator at 415-435-3522.
If you would like to visit Angel Island, you may travel there by any one of commercial ferries. You can access ferry information and other general information about Angel Island on their website.
