An Immigrant's Story
	
A bronze statue of a girl and her two young brothers stands on Ellis Island as a reminder of the first person to pass through that immigration center. Annie Moore was the little girl portrayed in that statue. In the years subsequent to Annie's arrival in the U.S., more than 12 million immigrants would enter a new life in the United States through Ellis Island.

Years before Annie Moore was born in County Cork, Ireland, a series of changes had caused many to flee the country. Unable to provide for his family where jobs and food were scarce, Annie's father was forced to leave Ireland in 1888. His limited income only afforded passage to America for four family members. Matthew and Julia Moore and their two oldest children would go to America, leaving Annie and her two younger brothers behind with relatives. Once they found work, their parents would send for them. 

For two years, the children waited anxiously for word. At last a letter arrived containing the fare for Annie and her brothers. Most of their 12-day trip across the Atlantic Ocean was spent below decks, crowded like cattle into cramped, dark and unsanitary steerage accommodations; the quarters provided to the ship's poorest passengers. As the S.S. Nevada sailed into New York Harbor, they were greeted by the Statue of Liberty. On January 1, 1892, Annie was the first person to step off the ship at the new Ellis Island facility. She was welcomed by the new commissioner, who pressed a ten dollar gold piece into her hand. Today, the statue of Annie represents the millions who stepped foot on Ellis Island with great joy and hope for a better future.









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