USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Is Ellis Island in New York or New Jersey? Good question! The short answer is yes to both states. Since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1998, Ellis Island, which is federal property, belongs within the territorial jurisdiction of both New York and New Jersey depending upon where you are.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ellis Island is in Upper New York Bay, east of Liberty State Park and north of Liberty Island. While most of the island is in Jersey City, New Jersey, a small section is an exclave of New York City. The island has a land area of 27.5 acres (11.1 ha), much of which is from land reclamation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Ellis Island is located in New York Harbor, and can only be reached by boat. Ferries are operated by Statue Cruises, and depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan in New York City.

Detailed explanation-4: -Contents. Ellis Island is a historical site that opened in 1892 as an immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years until it closed in 1954. Located at the mouth of Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, Ellis Island saw millions of newly arrived immigrants pass through its doors.