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during the 19th century immigrants mostly came from Ireland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, by the end of the century more and more people were arriving from southern and eastern Europe. These included Jews escaping from political and economic oppression in Russia and eastern Europe and Italians escaping poverty in their country, but also Hungarians, Poles, Czechs, Serbs, Greeks, Turks, Arabs and Armenians.
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The first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island in 1892 was Annie Moore, a 15-year-old Irish girl.
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Between 1892 and 1954 Ellis Island was the busiest immigration station in the United States.
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In 1954 the US government finally closed down the immigration inspection port at Ellis Island.
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After two decades of disuse, it opened up for tours in 1976.
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the island today stands as a symbol of America's immigrant heritage that attracts over 2 million visitors a year.