11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Angel Island Immigration Station

Year Listed: 1999
Location: California
Threat: Deterioration, Natural Forces, Neglect

Significance

The main barracks building is being restored.

Credit: Daphne Kwok, Angel Island Association

As a major port of entry for immigrants from the Pacific Rim and parts of South America, the Angel Island Immigration Station is sometimes called "the Ellis Island of the West Coast." An estimated 250,000 Chinese and 150,000 Japanese, along with thousands of immigrants from other nations, passed through the station from 1910 to 1940. This hallowed spot, a California state park, fell into ruin. Its plight was mirrored throughout the 265 units of the state parks system, where chronic underfunding resulted in a deferred maintenance debt approaching $500 million for historic sites alone.