Fort Ontario State Historic Site

Category: Historical place

Address: 1 E 4th St, Oswego, NY 13126, USA

Phone: +13153434711

Opening hours

Sunday: 12–4:30PM

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10AM–4:30PM

Thursday: 10AM–4:30PM

Friday: 10AM–4:30PM

Saturday: 10AM–4:30PM

Reviews

Cw Lloyd

Sep 14, 2022

If you're into history then this forts a must see. Lots of history here from the revolution to refugees from WW2.

Molly Detwiler

Sep 14, 2022

A fort that was built by the British in 1755. It was the site of battles during the French Indian War and War of 1812. There are Civil War re-enactors to explain the forts uses. Several buildings within the wall that you can walk through.

wayne schaller

Sep 11, 2022

Paul Lear does an excellent job at this historical site. A must see for any history buff.

Chris Clemens

Sep 5, 2022

Definitely a cool spot for real history nerds. It’s a self-guided site, which is cool because you can spend as much or as little time at each spot that you want. There are some cool spots on site like the bunkers, and the view over the lake from the surrounding park area is a perfect spot to hang and picnic or walk. Pair this with a stop to Safe Haven for a great museum afternoon hop!

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Questions & Answers

We’ll be passing through town just one day on a Monday. I know the fort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is it possible to park and explore some of the grounds outside the fort on the days when they’re closed?

Chris Haidri | Sep 7, 2022
jim catalfamo | Sep 7, 2022

The fort is an excellent condition and the grounds are well kept. And the view of the lighthouse is excellent. If you go early enough you can walk the water break right to the lighthouse but it's only on Thursdays that you can enter the lighthouse. The grounds are big and also well kept and don't forget to visit the graveyard in monument. There's also a museum nearby. You really don't need a guy to tour any of the employees will be able to answer questions and they have at least three videos you can watch that are in the buildings. Even the baseball field from 1909 or 1906 still exist. So you are in for a real treat. You can spend two to three hours here very easily but do a search on Google map in case you looking for other things to do.

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When i searched the fort this morning on Google it lists the address as 29 W 1st St. Oswego NY. The NYS web site says the fort was built on the west side of the river also. I am from Oswego and the fort is on the East side of the river.

Mark Reynolds | Sep 15, 2019
V. Burditt | Sep 14, 2021

The original site is commemorated at West First and Lake Street in Oswego, New York. https://images.app.goo.gl/1i2N3RjDBnkhqHZ16 https://minerdescent.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/surrender-of-fort-oswego.jpg?w=640 The Fort Ontario is on the East Side. Actually there were 3 Forts in Oswego. Fort George was here also. See History of Oswego.

I once visited a little house with way cool carvings in the stone work and loft dividers. a historical house that supposedly a man that worked on the fort stayed. Its east of Oswego. Maybe like new haven ? Anyone know the name

Doo Ardoo | Sep 14, 2021
Clifford Kavanaugh | Sep 14, 2021

Good question! The Safe Haven museum is at the old guard house.

What's it like there? What is the history behind the fort?

Keegen Allardyce | Sep 15, 2019
Fort Ontario State Historic Site | Sep 15, 2019

Oswego is like being on the Riviera in summer. For history check the Friends of Fort Ontario website. French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Patriot War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, WWII Refugee Shelter, Post WWII Veterans Housing Project, Army Reserve Center, state historic site, City of Oswego Recreation area, and more.

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Are dogs allowed if leashed?

Crystal Root | Sep 15, 2019
Fort Ontario State Historic Site | Sep 15, 2019

Yes. Dogs have been loved members of the garrison at Fort Ontario since 1755. We have a water dish and a bag of biscuits ready for them. They cannot go inside the buildings anymore, but we'll be glad to hold the leash while you do.

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Was Ft. Ontario used to train National Guardsmen in 1910s and 1920s? I have a picture of my Grandfather taken there before 1930.possibly 1927. Thank you in advance. Maureen Sandford

Maureen Sandford | Sep 15, 2018
Chris Clemens | Sep 7, 2022

Yea, there were training sites all over the U.S. but Fort Ontario was definitely one of them.

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