Ellis Island public and the museum partially re-opened on October 28, 2013, after major renovations. Originally much of the west shore of Upper New York Bay consisted of large tidal flats which hosted vast oyster banks, a major source of food for the Lenape population who lived in the area prior to the arrival of Dutch settlers. There were several islands which were not completely submerged at high tide. Three of them (later to be known as Liberty Island, Black Tom Island and Ellis Island) were given the name Oyster Islands by the settlers of New Netherland, the first European colony in
Daufuskie Island better job opportunities. The industry faced more setbacks as pollution from the Savannah River in the 1950s contaminated the island oyster beds. New wage and hour laws increased labor costs on the cannery cause it to close after the 1986 spring season. Fortunately, mom-and-pop shops continue to sell oysters on the island. The island is now split into five parts. To the northeast is the Haig Point Club, a private, member-owned residential club with around 150 year-round residents and over 225 homes. South of Haig Point is the Melrose Resort and residential community. Currently, the resort is closed but a