Recently found this information: Before 1855 the passengers simply got off the ship to whatever wharf they had arrived in Manhattan, not having to go through a central processing center. They were recorded on passenger arrival lists beginning in 1820. It should be noted that the ships never actually landed at Ellis Island -- they landed at Manhattan and the passengers were ferried over to the island for processing. Generally only steerage passengers went to Ellis Island for inspection -- MOST of the first & second class passengers were allowed to leave the ship soon after docking. All passengers, however, were listed on the ship manifest (or passenger list). Before August 1855 the immigrants arrived at the wharves of New York City; >From August 1, 1855 through April 18, 1890 they arrived at Castle Garden, an island off Manhattan; >From April 19, 1890 through Dec. 31, 1891, they arrived at the Barge Office; >From January 1, 1892 through June 13, 1897 they arrived at Ellis Island; >From June 14, 1897 through Dec 16, 1900, they arrived at the Barge Office; >From December 17, 1900 through 1924 they arrived at Ellis Island.