May 1, 2023

By Lauren P. Reyes

Angel Island Immigration Museum

Location: Angel Island, Tiburon, California

Angel Island Immigration Station was the West Coast’s answer to Ellis Island. While the exact number is unknown, an estimated 1 million immigrants passed through Angel Island’s doors, including 250,000 Chinese and 150,000 Japanese people. However, thanks to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Angel Island limited the number of Asian immigrants allowed into the United States.

These days, Angel Island is managed by the California State Parks and is home to 740 acres with forested hiking trails and sandy beaches. Visitors can also tour the Angel Island Immigration Museum to learn about the hardships Asian Americans faced and view recreated living spaces and original poems written in the detention barracks. Tours start at $5 per person.

(see the rest of the list)