The Dispute over Ellis Island
Ellis Island is an iconic landmark in the United States, known for its history as the gateway to America for millions of immigrants. However, few people know about the long-standing dispute over its ownership between two neighboring states – New Jersey and New York. The dispute lasted for over a century and was finally resolved by the US Supreme Court in 1998. In this article, we will explore the history and background of this dispute, the arguments made by both states, and the impact of the court’s decision.
Historical Background: Immigration to Ellis Island
Ellis Island was the main point of entry for immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954. During this time, over 12 million immigrants passed through its doors, making it one of the busiest immigration centers in the world. The island was originally owned by New York, but it was purchased by the federal government in the 1800s for the purpose of building a fort. In 1890, the government decided to use the island for immigration purposes instead, and the first immigrant station was opened in 1892.
The Role of the Federal Government in the Dispute
The federal government played a critical role in the dispute over Ellis Island’s ownership, particularly in the early years of the dispute. When the federal government first purchased the island, it ceded jurisdiction over the waters surrounding the island to New York. However, when the immigration station was established, the federal government claimed exclusive jurisdiction over the island, arguing that it was a federal enclave. This claim was disputed by New Jersey, which argued that the water boundary between the two states was the low-water mark on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.
New Jersey’s Claim to Ellis Island
New Jersey claimed that because the low-water mark on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River was closer to Ellis Island than the low-water mark on the New York side, the island should be considered part of New Jersey. The state argued that it had never given up its right to the submerged land that surrounded the island, and that it should have jurisdiction over the island as a result. New Jersey also argued that it had a stronger historical claim to the island, as it had granted a land patent to a private owner in the 1600s that included the island.
The State of New York’s Response
New York argued that it had jurisdiction over the island because it had purchased it from the federal government, and that the federal government had exclusive jurisdiction over the island. The state also argued that New Jersey had never claimed ownership of the island before the federal government purchased it, and that the state had exercised jurisdiction over the waters surrounding the island for over a century.
The Lawsuit and Its Outcome
The dispute between the two states went unresolved for over a century, until New Jersey filed a lawsuit against New York in 1955. The case was heard by the US Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of New Jersey in 1998. The court held that the water boundary between the two states was the low-water mark on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, and that New Jersey therefore had jurisdiction over the submerged land surrounding Ellis Island.
The Supreme Court’s Opinion on the Dispute
In its opinion, the Supreme Court noted that the dispute had been fueled by historical and political factors, and that the legal arguments made by both sides were complex and nuanced. The court ultimately decided that New Jersey’s claim to the submerged land was valid, and that the state had jurisdiction over the land and waters surrounding Ellis Island.
The Impact of the Decision on Ellis Island’s Ownership
The Supreme Court’s decision had a significant impact on Ellis Island’s ownership. The decision meant that the island was split between two states, with New Jersey owning the submerged land surrounding the island and New York owning the buildings and structures on the island itself. This division of ownership has created some administrative challenges, but it has not had a significant impact on the operation of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which is managed by the National Park Service.
The Legacy of the Dispute: Historical Significance
The dispute over Ellis Island’s ownership has become part of the island’s historical legacy. The dispute is a reminder of the complex legal and political issues that can arise when multiple jurisdictions claim ownership over a single piece of land. The dispute also highlights the importance of legal precedent and the role of the Supreme Court in resolving complex legal issues.
Conclusion: The Resolution of the Dispute
The dispute over Ellis Island’s ownership was a long and complex legal battle, but it was ultimately resolved by the US Supreme Court in 1998. The court’s decision split ownership of the island between two states, with New Jersey owning the submerged land surrounding the island and New York owning the buildings and structures on the island itself. Despite the administrative challenges created by this division of ownership, Ellis Island remains an iconic symbol of immigration to the United States.
References: Sources for Further Reading
- "Ellis Island: History and Heritage." National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/elis/learn/historyculture/index.htm
- "New Jersey v. New York." Oyez. https://www.oyez.org/cases/1997/120_orig
- "Ellis Island Controversy: New Jersey Wins." The New York Times.
