Ellis Island is significant to the culture because the island was a federal immigration station that received thousands of immigrants that hoped to settle in New York City. Although the island was seen by immigrants as a new opportunity to begin a better life, families were separated due to unmet health standards. It started as an “Island of Hope” to an “Island of Tears”. Tourist are attracted to the island because it is a place where they can trace their family history to at least one person who passed through the Port of New York.

Reference: The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.   http://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ellis-island-history