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Early immigrants came for many reasons, including religious, seeking adventure, a better life or they were sent here as a penalty for a crime.
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Early immigration included St. Augustine in 1565, Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 and Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620.
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In 1820 the Federal Government began requiring ship manifest lists but the early years can be difficult to locate.
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Before Ellis Island opened in 1892, Castle Garden was America's first official immigration center from 1855 to 1890. It was a pioneering collaboration of New York State and New York City. Visit CastleGarden.org to search for your immigrant ancestors during these early years.
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5.
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Major ports of entry were Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and New Orleans. There were other ports that were not considered major ports.
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6.
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The 1900 through 1930 censuses lists the individual's year of immigration to the United States. Don't be surprised if they are all different dates.
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