The third class was the lowest class of a ship. This was often called the steerage. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the steerage was an area that was used to house passengers. This area provided the cheapest transportation and accommodation. However, it was often provided in terrible, unsanitary conditions. Many immigrants arrived to the United States in this way, and upon their arrival, they were required to go to Ellis Island in order to enter the country.
