It's possible, especially if the portals are naturally occurring. Someone could've gotten snatched up and built from the ground up. Made due with what they had. Depending on how long it's been, the oldest arrivals might not even recognize themselves as immigrants.

But you're right. Figuring this place and its history out should be first. I know someone who pointed me in the direction of the library, which apparently had a lot of the information we're looking for. I planned on starting there.

And honestly, I've found the best way to get information without drowning in it all yourself is divvying up the work. Or I might end up losing my job from it all too, who knows.