Tracing America's roots at Ellis Island and Lady Liberty

NEW YORK CITY (WPVI) -- As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, this week's One Tank Trip takes us to the spot where millions of American dreams began.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, thousands of ships filled with immigrants pulled into the New York Harbor. They were greeted by Lady Liberty and her promise of hope.

And once they arrived on Ellis Island, a new life began.

You can tour both of these remarkable landmarks by ferry with Statue City Cruises.

It operates out of Liberty State Park in Jersey City and Battery Park in New York.

Action News photojournalists Todd Haas and Tom Kretschmer take us there.