Ellis Island was the gateway for more than 12 million immigrants who passed through its doors seeking a better future in America, from 1892 to 1954. The rich tapestry of cultures and nationalities who entered the new world there are revealed in these timeless photos taken between 1902-1913.

The photographs, from the collection of William Williams, Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island from 1902-5 and 1909-13, have only been recently digitized and made available to the public by the New York Public Library. The portraits were made by Augustus Sherman and the photos of Ellis Island were taken by Edwin Levick.

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Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/