Annie Moore was born in Cork, in 1874 and holds a special place in the history of Ellis Island, a small island in New York City’s harbour. The island has a long and fascinating history, and is known as the gateway to America for millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Annie was just 17 years old when she arrived at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892, with her two younger brothers. She was the first ever immigrant to be processed at the newly opened immigration station, and as a result, she became an important symbol of the hope and opportunity that awaited those who came to America in search of a better life.
Upon arrival, Annie and her brothers were processed through the immigration station, which was a complex and overwhelming process for many immigrants. They were asked questions about their health, their background, and their plans for the future. If they passed the inspection, they were allowed to enter the United States and begin their new lives.
Annie Moore is remembered with a statue in Cobh, a town located just outside Cork city. The statue was unveiled in 1993 by the president of Ireland, Mary Robinson. It is located at the Pier Head, a fitting place given that this is where Annie and her brothers would have set off on their journey to Ellis Island. The statue represents Annie Moore and her two brothers setting sail for America.
A second statue of Annie Moore is standing in Ellis Island in the National Museum of Immigration. The statue depicts Annie holding a small suitcase, a symbol of the many belongings that she and her brothers brought with them on their journey. It was a gift for the American people from the Irish-American Cultural Institute.
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