Although, less prominent than New York’s Ellis Island, Philadelphia was home to what was once the third largest immigration port in the country: Pier 53 on the Delaware River. It was in 1873 that the Washington Avenue Immigration Station began its operations. Arriving immigrants first disembarked at Lazaretto Station at Essington for health inspection, then continued up the Delaware River by ship for another eight miles to Pier 53 in South Philadelphia, the final entry point.

The Lazzaretto Station was a municipal quarantine facility operating since 1799 to combat the spread of contagious diseases; the complex included a hospital capable of housing 500 patients. In 1919 the state ended its inspection service. NOTE:  The Lazaretto quarantine station in Tinicum Township is being restored after years of neglect. Expected opening is early 2018.