Von: carlah@earthlink.net (Carla H.)
  Datum: 14.05.98, 22:42:32
Betreff: American Immigration Facilities

Dear Neil and Friends,

In response to several E-mails I have received asking about American immigration
facilities which existed *prior* to the opening of New York's Castle Garden in
1855, please note the following quoted information, taken from the following Web
site on the subject:

http://www.bergen.org/AAST/Projects/Immigration/process_of_entering.html#1830-1890

    " Prior to 1855, ships carrying passengers to the United States simply left
them at the wharf, stranded to be attacked by thugs and criminals, and made prey
by con men. The public feared the diseases that the new immigrants brought with
them, and immigrants were ousted by society in general. After 1855, however,
Castle Garden, on the southern tip of Manhattan, became an immigrant receiving
center. This center enabled the U.S. Government to keep better track of its
immigrants. Clerks would record the names, nationalities, and destinations of
immigrants. Physicians would give routine checkups and physicals to ensure that
the immigrants were healthy. Later, the receiving center was moved to Ellis
Island."
============================================================

Please understand that I have no further personal knowledge on the subject of
American immigration facilities in New York before the opening of Castle Garden
(1855), and later Ellis Island (1892).  There are, however, many Web sites which
provide various details about these facilities, one of which is noted above.
Please try a search engine such as Webcrawler (http://www.webcrawler.com) if you
would like further information.

Neil E. Barber wrote:

> What and where was the facility which preceded Castle Garden, say about
> 1853?  Was there a place named Williamsburg?  Thanks.
>