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Oswego, NY

Frequently asked questions

Oswego, NY

Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in Upstate New York, about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Syracuse. It promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York." It is the county seat of Oswego County. The city of Oswego is bordered by the towns of Oswego, Minetto, and Scriba to the west, south, and east, respectively, and by Lake Ontario to the north. Oswego Speedway is a nationally known automobile racing facility. The State University of New York at Oswego is located just outside the city on Lake Ontario.

The British established a trading post in the area in 1722 and fortified it with a log palisade later called Fort Oswego, named after the native Iroquois place name "os-we-go" meaning "pouring out place." The first fortification on the site of the current Fort Ontario was built by the British in 1755 and called the "Fort of the Six Nations."

Fort Ontario was destroyed by the French upon capturing it in the Battle of Fort Ontario, during the French and Indian War. Construction of a second British fort began on the same site in 1759, but Fort Ontario was only used as a cannon emplacement. During the American Revolution, the British abandoned the Fort, and in 1778, American troops destroyed it. In 1782, the British reoccupied Fort Ontario and didn't forfeit it to the U.S. until 1796, thirteen years after the cessation of hostilities in the Revolution.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.2 square miles (29.1 km²), of which 7.7 square miles (19.8 km²) is land and 3.6 square miles (9.2 km²) (31.76%) is water. Oswego is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Oswego River, approximately 35 miles north of Syracuse and 69 miles east of Rochester. The elevation is 298 feet above sea level. The nearest city is Fulton, located south of Oswego and north of Syracuse.

As Oswego is located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, in the center of the Snowbelt, the region often sees prodigious lake-effect snow accumulations. Oswego is one of the snowiest towns in America, with some winters totaling over 300 inches. In 2007, Oswego gained national attention when approximately 130" (slightly less than 11 feet) of snow fell in a two-week timespan. This broke the record of the Blizzard of 1966, which blanketed the city with 102" of snow. As a result of this storm, the school district closed all facilities for a week, effectively shifting the planned winter holiday.

When it comes to health and wellness, Oswego provides a range of resources and facilities to promote the well-being of its residents. The Oswego Health system, which includes Oswego Hospital, offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Residents can also maintain an active and healthy lifestyle through the numerous parks and recreational opportunities available, such as Breitbeck Park and the Lake Ontario waterfront. The Oswego River flows through the city of Oswego, offering picturesque views and opportunities for recreational activities like fishing and boating. Blossom Yoga and Wellness offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, and holistic health workshops. The Oswego YMCA features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, swimming pools, and a variety of group exercise classes. Pulse Fitness focuses on personalized training programs and nutritional guidance for optimal health. These facilities and activities ensure that Oswego residents have ample opportunities to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Top sites in Oswego City, NY are Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Breitbeck Park, and Oswego Speedway.

Population: 17,022 (2023). ZIP code: 13126. Area code(s): 315. Elevation: 278 feet (85 meters). Area: 10.1 square miles (26.1 km²).

FAQs

What is Oswego, NY known for?

Oswego is known as the Port City of Central New York. Its beautiful waterfront is complemented by the maritime theme found throughout the city. Our many parks afford a panoramic view of Lake Ontario, and we offer a beautifully preserved historical site at Fort Ontario. While you’re here, you can visit some of our unique shops or just relax by the water and feel the refreshing lake breeze. You should also stay and witness one of our astonishing sunsets. Experience the friendly people of Oswego as you stroll through our city which incorporates several centuries of history and architecture.

What is the race population in Oswego, NY?

White: 83.68% Black or African American: 8.46% Two or more races: 2.86%.The average household income in Oswego is $107,543 with a poverty rate of 15.02%. The median age in Oswego is 21 years: 21.4 years for males, and 20.7 years for females.

What is the crime rate in Oswego, NY?

With a crime rate of 45 per one thousand residents, Oswego has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 22. Within New York, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Oswego.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Oswego

Oswego River

Oswego Health

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Serenity Spa

Blossom Yoga and Wellness

The YMCA

Pulse Fitness

Fort Ontario State Historic Site

Breitbeck Park

Oswego Speedway

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.