The research herein proposed pertains to the regional dispute between New York and New Jersey, with respect to ownership of one of America’s most hallowed landmarks, Ellis Island. The island lies in New York harbor, the nation’s most famous immigration way-station. The Federal Government actually owns Ellis Island, but the dispute centers over jurisdiction, geographical zoning, and bragging rights. New York claimed jurisdiction over the island for centuries, originally three miles in area but now 27.5 miles in size due to landfill (Shaw, 3). However, in 1993, New Jersey attorneys appealed to the Supreme Court to determine jurisdiction, arguing that a border agreement in the early 19th century gave partial jurisdiction of the area to New Jersey. The Supreme Court ruled that both states must share jurisdiction of the Island in a 1998 decision which split the justices 6-3 (Shaw 1). This proposal will discuss the issues and arguments of both state governments in order to demonstrate why this dispute arose. Incorporated into the research will be the dynamics of regional government, including the link between State and Federal governments. The legal outcome of the dispute will also be reviewed.
New Jersey asks Supreme Court for piece of Ellis Island. Morning Edition, (NPR). July 10, 1996, 1-2.
NY-NJ end arguments in Ellis Island dispute. The Dallas Morning News. Aug. 16, 1996, (14A) 1-2.
Settling the fight over Ellis Island. Denver Rocky Mountain News. April 9, 1997, (40A) 1.
Asseo, L. New Jersey wins Ellis Island dispute. The Dallas Morning News. May 27, 1998, (10A) 1-2.
MacFarqhuar, N. Arbitrator splits Ellis Island between New York, New Jersey. Denver Rocky Mountain News. April 2, 1997, (2A) 1.
Schoenstein, R. Today Ellis Island, Tomorrow it’s D.C.. Newsday. May 29, 1998, (A53) 1-2.
Shaw, G. Ellis Island, N.J.. Newsday. May 27,
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