Oswego County

Oswego County is an administrative division in northwestern New York that spans 1,312 square miles along Lake Ontario's southeastern shore. The territory includes 22 towns, 2 cities, and 9 villages, with the city of Oswego serving as the county seat.

The territory became New York's 48th county in 1816, established by separating portions from Oneida and Onondaga counties. This formation marked a significant step in the region's administrative development.

The name comes from the Mohawk language and means 'pouring out place', referring to where the Oswego River flows into Lake Ontario. This origin remains part of how locals understand their region's geography.

Visiting the area is best during warmer months when roads are open and lake travel is easier to navigate. The territory covers a large area, so plan enough time for travel between different communities when organizing your visit.

The Tug Hill Plateau in the area rises about 1,550 feet (470 meters) and receives heavy snowfall that feeds numerous wild brook trout streams. This combination makes the plateau a distinctive geographic feature for nature enthusiasts.

Location: New York

Inception: 1816

Capital city: Oswego

Shares border with: Jefferson County, Onondaga County, Lewis County, Oneida County, Madison County, Cayuga County

Website: https://oswegocounty.com

GPS coordinates: 43.47000,-76.20000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:56