Dear Carole,

In a message dated 1/18/99 08:52AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

>Is Castle William the same place as Castle Garden, the immigrant arrival port
>opened in 1856?

No. Castle Garden (aka Castle Clinton), used as an immigration station from
1855 to 1890, was (and still is) at the tip of Manhattan. Castle Williams, if
it's the same place you're thinking of, stands on Governors Island. Both forts
were the designs of Jonathan WIlliams.

>
>What is a good source for photos of New York Harbor in 1847?

I don't know of any photos of NY Harbor from 1847, but you'll have the best
shot here in NYC at the NYPL and the NYHS. Both repositories have many
illustrations. The NYG&BS may also have some sources.

>
>Is there a description of what an immigrant would do one he/she got off the
>boat in New York to get to the Hudson River Steamboat Co. to go to
>Albany?--again in 1847?

You might find something in this book:
        IMMIGRANT LIFE IN NYC, 1825-1863, by Robert Ernst

I haven't yet bought my copy of GOTHAM, but perhaps that will have some
information for you.

>
>I am going to be in NY City in February and plan to go to the NY Public
>Library to do some research on immigrant arrival in the period of 1847-1865.
>Any suggestions on the best way to do this.  I have not been to the library
>before.
>
>Any and all help appreciated.
>
>Carole Krysan
>Lousiville, KY

Be sure to visit the National Archives, Northeast Division, when you're here.
They hold immigration records, passenger lists, and much more.

Best wishes,

Leslie Corn
NYC Genealogical Research & Heir Searches
NYG&BS Record Search Service Genealogist
http://www.citydirectories.psmedia.com/city/essay_main1.html
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