Description - Fort Ontario State Historic Site has been restored to its 1867-1872 appearance. An orientation exhibit in the Enlisted Men's Barracks tells the fascinating history of the fort and together with interpreters, recreates the lives of the officers, the enlisted men, their families and civilians at Fort Ontario between May 1868 and April 1869. The fort played key roles throughout American history including reserving as an emergency center for Holocaust victims. The state of New York obtains the site in 1946. Exhibits, tours, visitor center and more are offered mid-May through October, Wednesday - Sunday.
Copyright: New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
- Visitors to Fort Ontario State Historic Site today will see the star-shaped fort restored to its 1867-1872 appearance. An orientation exhibit in the Enlisted Men's Barracks tells the fascinating history of the fort and together with interpreters, recreates the lives of the officers, the enlisted men, their families and civilians at Fort Ontario between May 1868 and April 1869. Since 1755 Fort Ontario has been rebuilt, regarrisoned and changed hands several times. Immediately following the Civil War, Fort Ontario began a period of decreased activity and improvements and additions ceased. The fort found new life between 1903 and 1905 when the United States expanded the post as part of the army's reorganization. By 1941 approximately 125 buildings stood at the site. Between 1944 and 1946 Fort Ontario was used as an emergency refugee center for victims of the Holocaust. In 1946 the fort was transferred to the State of New York.
Recreation - Visitors to Fort Ontario State Historic Site will find audio-visual programs, period costumed interpreters, educational services, demonstrations, group tours, guided tours and self-guided tours, scenic views, picnicking, re-enactments and a visitor center / museum. The historic site is open from mid-May through October, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 adults, $2.00 NYS senior citizens, $1.00 children ages 5-12. Children under 5 admitted free.
Climate - The historic site experiences average January temperatures from 18 degrees to above 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 to above -6 degrees Celsius). It is important to note that this area receives some of the heaviest snowfalls in the nation. Summer temperatures average around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (around 22 degrees Celsius). Precipitation in the region ranges from 36 inches to more than 44 inches of rain and snowmelt. The heaviest precipitation is received in the region's northeast segment.
Fort Ontario is located at the mouth of the Oswego River in Lake Ontario. The site is located on East 9th Street in the town of Oswego.