Oswego

Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Oswego River and serves as the county seat. The city functions as a regional center for government, education, and commerce, with a mix of historic neighborhoods and lakefront attractions.

The area was originally inhabited by Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) peoples. European contact began in the 17th century with French and Dutch traders, and Fort Ontario was established by the British in 1755 as a military post. The fort and the river facilitated shipping and trade throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Oswego Canal connected the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario, further integrating the city into regional commerce. The city also played roles in the War of 1812 and subsequent regional development.

During World War II, Fort Ontario gained notable attention for hosting the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter, which provided asylum to Jewish refugees in 1944–1946, a historic chapter in the town’s history.

Today, Oswego is home to the State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego), a public university established in 1861 and situated on a lakeside campus that contributes to the local economy and culture. The Oswego River and harbor area continue to support recreation and tourism, and the city maintains a small port and marina. Annual events such as Harborfest celebrate the lakefront and maritime heritage.

Besides New York, the name Oswego is used for other places in the United States, including Oswego, Illinois, and Oswego, Oregon, as well as Oswego County and various townships.