Although America was born in the 1700s, some can argue that the true birth of a nation took place as millions of immigrants flooded Ellis Island, in search of a new life. Passing the Statue of Liberty, on a neighboring island in New York’s harbor, people from around the world entered the country for the first time through Ellis Island. Ferries take visitors to the 27.-5-acre island, where they can see the Wall of Honor that celebrates the immigrants who walked on this island, as well as the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, located in the former immigration station complex. A Family History Center and archives are available for visitors who want to search their family history, with records dating back to the late 1800s. Click here to learn more about the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.