From 1855 to 1890, before Ellis Island opened, about 8 million immigrants were processed through Castle Garden.
My book, “When He Was Gone,” includes the story of the Garraux family’s journey to America and their arrival at Castle Garden.
It was originally a fort built to defend NY against the British in the War of 1812, though it was never used. The fort was named Castle Clinton in honor of Dewitt Clinton, the mayor and later governor of New York. In 1824, it reopened as a theater and entertainment venue, and was given its name.
The Garrauxs and their eight children were among the thousands of immigrants processed through Castle Garden each week in the mid to late-1800s.
In 1896, Castle Garden was remodeled and it was the site of the NY Aquarium until 1941. Saved from demolition in 1946, the National Park Service restored the Castle to its original design. Reopened in 1975 as Castle Clinton National Monument, the site houses the ticket office for the Statue of Liberty. More than 3 million people visit it each year.