Oswego and its residents have played significant roles in Iroquoian, Colonial, and United States history. Oswego, NY native Noel Francisco served as the 47th Solicitor General of the United States, from 2017 to 2020 and is the first Asian American to hold the position. James Fenimore Cooper drew inspiration for his Leatherstocking Tales from service in the U.S. Navy at Oswego, and it was where the Marquis de Montcalm won the first of three great French victories against the powerful British empire. Oswego was the home of Union Army contract surgeon Mary Edwards Walker M.D., the first female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and a leader of the Woman’s Suffrage Movement.
The Holocaust came to America at the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter. It’s where everyday Americans and the press first heard personal stories of persecution at the hands of the Nazis from their victims, and the Holocaust moved from the back to front pages of newspapers. Fort Ontario is where the first group of refugees were allowed into the United States outside of existing immigration quotas, opening the door for admitting later groups. For this unique story and many others check out our Historical Guide.
Fort Ontario- Oswego
![Photo of Bridge House Brats at the Bridge House Museum]( "Photo of Bridge House Brats at the Bridge House Museum")
Bridge House Brats at the Bridge House Museum
Bridge House Brats at the Bridge House Museum
![Photo of Casey’s Cottage]( "Photo of Casey’s Cottage")
Casey’s Cottage
Casey’s Cottage
![Photo of Central Square Railroad Museum]( "Photo of Central Square Railroad Museum")
Central Square Railroad Museum
Central Square Railroad Museum
![Photo of Children’s Museum of Oswego – CMOO]( "Photo of Children’s Museum of Oswego – CMOO")
Children’s Museum of Oswego – CMOO
Children’s Museum of Oswego – CMOO
Contact: Kathryn Watson
Work 7 W. Bridge St. Oswego NY 13126 work
Work Phone: 315-216-6387work
Work Email: info@cmoo.orgINTERNET
Website: cmoo.org
![Photo of Fort Brewerton/Block House Museum]( "Photo of Fort Brewerton/Block House Museum")
Fort Brewerton/Block House Museum
Fort Brewerton/Block House Museum
![Photo of Fort Ontario State Historic Site]( "Photo of Fort Ontario State Historic Site")
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
Contact: Caroline Lamie
![Photo of H. Lee White Maritime Museum]( "Photo of H. Lee White Maritime Museum")
H. Lee White Maritime Museum
H. Lee White Maritime Museum
Contact: Mercedes Niess
![Photo of John Wells Pratt House Museum]( "Photo of John Wells Pratt House Museum")
John Wells Pratt House Museum
John Wells Pratt House Museum
![Photo of Mexico Historical Society Museum]( "Photo of Mexico Historical Society Museum")
Mexico Historical Society Museum
Mexico Historical Society Museum
![Photo of Oswego Town Historical Society]( "Photo of Oswego Town Historical Society")
Oswego Town Historical Society
Oswego Town Historical Society
Contact: George DeMass
![Photo of Pulaski Historical Society Museum]( "Photo of Pulaski Historical Society Museum")
Pulaski Historical Society Museum
Pulaski Historical Society Museum
![Photo of Richardson-Bates House Museum]( "Photo of Richardson-Bates House Museum")
Richardson-Bates House Museum
Richardson-Bates House Museum
![Photo of Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum]( "Photo of Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum")
Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum
Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum
![Photo of Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina]( "Photo of Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina")
Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina
Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina
Contact: Abe Ellis
![Photo of Schroeppel Historical Society Museum]( "Photo of Schroeppel Historical Society Museum")
Schroeppel Historical Society Museum
Schroeppel Historical Society Museum
Contact: Barbara Dix
![Photo of Starr Clark Tin Shop And Underground Railroad Museum]( "Photo of Starr Clark Tin Shop And Underground Railroad Museum")
Starr Clark Tin Shop And Underground Railroad Museum
Starr Clark Tin Shop And Underground Railroad Museum
Home 3250 Main St. Mexico NY 13114 home
Work Phone: 315-963-7853work
![Photo of West Monroe Historical Society]( "Photo of West Monroe Historical Society")
West Monroe Historical Society
West Monroe Historical Society
![Photo of West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego]( "Photo of West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego")
West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego
West Pierhead Lighthouse in Oswego
