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Car Rentals in New York City and Ellis Island

Ellis Island has long been the ultimate symbol of American immigration heritage, symbolizing New York Citys important role in the peopling of this great country. Nearly 12 million people landed have landed here in their search for freedom and economic opportunity, making it the quintessential gateway to American culture and acceptance. Under the management of the National Parks Service, Ellis Island has quickly grown to become one of the citys most popular tourist attractions, providing travelers with a direct link to their very heritage. A must-see attraction for most any car rental in New York City traveler, Ellis Island can be reached by the Circle Line Downtown ferry, located at Battery Park.

Touring the Island

Exploring Ellis Island is a great way to reconnect with your roots, bridging the gab between younger second and third generation Americans and their first generation ancestors. Once youve arrived on the Island Action Car Rentals New York City encourages their clients to take part in a Free Park Ranger Guided Tour, available daily at scheduled times posted within the on-island information booth. These tours provide curious car rental clients with exclusive information on the islands past, present and possible future, including important events and little known facts. These tours will take approximately one hour and are offered completely free of charge. Car rental in New York City customers are also encouraged to explore the islands self-guided museum, which features three floors of audio/visual displays detailing the history of the immigration process in New York. Audio tours of the museum are also available in the museums lobby for a fee of just $6 per person. Car rental in New York City clients are also encouraged to watch the 30 minute documentary film entitled Island of Hope, Island of Tears before leaving the museum as it provides travelers with a well-rounded overview of the islands early functions.

A Little History

Immigrants that visited Ellis Island back in the 19th were of two main types: old immigrants and new immigrants. Old immigrants traveled to America prior to 1890 and came mostly from northern and western Europe. Members of the new immigrant wave arrived in the country after 1890 and were composed mainly of eastern and southern European settlers. In order to become a US citizen, immigrants were forced to undergo numerous tests on Ellis Island including reading and writing exams, a US history exam and numerous medical tests. Once an immigrant was deemed worthy of US citizenship, he or she would then renounce his or her original nationality, immediately becoming American. Those immigrants who did not pass the tests were sent back to their native countries, earning Ellis Island the nicknames Isle of Tears and Heartbreak Island.

As with all other historic areas administrated by the National Park Services, Ellis Island is listed as a National Monument, as well as on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently under the jurisdiction of the States of New York and New Jersey, Ellis Island is still considered to be federal property. Only one building on the island is currently open to public viewing; the remaining three dozen are used for administrative purposes and private programs. Car rental New York customers interested in visiting Ellis Island during their upcoming Big Apple vacation should also consider visiting the neighboring Liberty Island, home to the iconic Statue of Liberty New Yorks famous gateway symbol. The Ellis Island National Park is open everyday from 9:30am to 5:15pm, but note that they are adjusted seasonally.

Too learn more about programs currently available on Ellis Island before embarking on your upcoming car rental in New York City vacation, simply contact the Park Information Line recorded message at 1-212-269-5755. Ellis Island is accessible by Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. only; roundtrip tickets cost approximately $11.50 for adults, $9.50 for seniors and $4.50 for children 3 to 12.