"Hidden Ellis Island"

Self-taught photographer Paul Margolis has made a career of documenting New York City’s historic streets and buildings. In this series, he turns his attention to the somber side of what was once the shiniest beacon of hope for Gotham-bound immigrants, capturing the decaying buildings that held Ellis Island’s wards and medical facilities. The rust, crumbling brick and peeling plaster he features lend his photographs a haunting beauty.