Oswego

Oswego is a city on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oswego County, New York, where the Oswego River enters the lake. The waterfront links several green spaces and is surrounded by older residential neighborhoods with wood-frame houses, while a university campus marks the eastern side of the cityscape.

In 1722, the British built a trading post and Fort Oswego, which became a battlefield several times in the following decades. The city grew into an important harbor during the 19th century for trade between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic.

The name comes from the Mohawk word "os-we-go" meaning place of outpouring, referring to the river meeting the lake. The campus buildings in red brick create a distinct presence along the shoreline, especially during fall when maple trees around the grounds turn color.

Winter months bring heavy snowfall and cold winds off the lake, so the best time to visit is between May and October. The waterfront and historic sites are within walking distance of each other, with most paths accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Fort Ontario served as an emergency shelter for Jewish refugees from Europe during World War II, the only such facility on American soil. Today, a museum on the grounds preserves documents and personal items from the residents of that period.

Location: Oswego County

Inception: 1796

Elevation above the sea: 87 m

Website: http://oswegony.org

GPS coordinates: 43.45472,-76.50667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:46