The city of Oswego announced a mural competition that will be held to beautify the historic site of the Fort Ontario entryway tunnel, located at East Seventh Street in downtown Oswego.
The community decided on this idea because it would give people the opportunity to make a difference within the city and help attract tourists.
Fort Ontario has been listed under the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since Dec. 18, 1970. The fort was originally built by the British colonizers in 1755, and they destroyed by the French militia under General Marquis de Montcalm in 1756. The fort was rebuilt and destroyed three more times before it was permanently erected in 1844. During World War II, Fort Ontario was used as a temporary refugee site for Holocaust victims. In total, a wave of over 1,000 Jewish refugees poured in as a result.
Today, the site is a common tourist destination, especially during the summer months. The Fourth of July and Harborfest attract many visitors to the site.
The competition was opened in March for anyone to participate. All submissions must be made digitally to the city of Oswego’s economic development by June. In addition, the number of submissions is unlimited. The selection of the most favored mural will determined in early August, according to Mayor Billy Barlow.
“We left it open ended to ensure submissions are as creative and as elaborate as they can be. We’ve allocated $35,000 total for this project, including the mural and other small enhancements in the area,” Barlow said.
“Beautifying the Fort Ontario Tunnel entryway was one of the beautification projects in my State of the City Address that I believe is a worthwhile endeavor that reaches out to our local arts community and allows us to showcase some of the talent we have right here locally,” Barlow said.
Barlow said the entryway sees traffic from residents and visitors entering the Fort Ontario complex to visit the Fort, Safe Haven, the Players Theatre, the city pool and the city ice rinks.
“This entryway is an easy improvement that can highlight our rich history, exude community pride and enhance a small section of public space as we look to make strategic investments on the east side of the City,” Barlow said.
Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian
