Oswego

### **Category: Oswego, New York** #### **Overview** **Oswego, New York**, is a historic **port city on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario**, known for its **maritime heritage, shipping industry, and military history**. It has played a key role in **Great Lakes commerce, naval battles, and lighthouse navigation**. Today, Oswego remains an **important hub for shipping, fishing, and shipwreck diving**, with connections to the **St. Lawrence Seaway and Erie Canal**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located on the **southeastern shore of Lake Ontario**. - Positioned at the **mouth of the Oswego River**, which connects to the **Erie Canal** and the Hudson River. - A **key port along the St. Lawrence Seaway**, handling **grain, salt, and other bulk cargo**. - Close to **Syracuse, NY**, and a major link between the **Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Early Trade & Navigation (1700s-1800s)**: - Oswego was a major **fur trade and timber export hub** in the 18th and 19th centuries. - It became a **strategic naval base** during the **War of 1812**, leading to battles with the British. - **Great Lakes Shipping & Commerce (1800s-Present)**: - The construction of the **Oswego Canal (1828)** connected the city to the **Erie Canal**, boosting trade. - Oswego became a major port for **grain, coal, and manufacturing shipments**. - Today, it remains an active **shipping terminal** for **commercial and industrial cargo**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Oswego is a **prime destination for shipwreck diving**, with several well-preserved wrecks near the harbor, including: - **David W. Mills (1867-1919)** – A wooden steamer that **sank in a storm** off Oswego. - **George R. Fink (1861-1888)** – A three-masted schooner that **capsized and sank near the harbor entrance**. - **Mary Kay (1893-1920s)** – A barge that **went down in deep water**, offering an advanced dive site. - **St. Peter (1873-1898)** – A well-preserved **schooner wreck**, resting in about 115 ft (35 m) of water. - **Unknown Wrecks** – Additional **undiscovered shipwrecks** are suspected in deeper waters. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse** – A historic lighthouse that **still operates today**, offering guided tours. - **Fort Ontario State Historic Site** – A **reconstructed 18th-century British fort**, with War of 1812 and Civil War history. - **H. Lee White Maritime Museum** – Featuring **Great Lakes naval artifacts, ship models, and historical exhibits**. - **Oswego Harbor Festivals** – Includes the **Oswego Harborfest**, celebrating the region’s **maritime and cultural heritage**. - **Fishing & Boating** – Oswego is famous for **salmon and trout fishing**, with top charter services available. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Harsh Storms & High Waves**: The **open waters of Lake Ontario** near Oswego can become **dangerous during sudden storms**. - **Shoals & Shallow Areas**: Several **hidden sandbars and reefs** near the harbor pose risks for boaters. - **Winter Ice & Shipping Delays**: The port freezes in winter, affecting **Great Lakes shipping schedules**. ### **Why It Matters** Oswego is **one of the oldest and most important ports on Lake Ontario**, serving as a **gateway for shipping, naval operations, and trade** between the **Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean**. Its **historic shipwrecks, well-preserved fort, and maritime museums** make it a **must-visit destination for history buffs, divers, and lake enthusiasts alike**.