On Sept. 1, the National Park Service (NPS) began a special resource study of Fort Ontario in Oswego to determine if it should have national park status.

The process of Fort Ontario becoming a national park began many years ago when Rep. John Katko introduced the Fort Ontario Study Act. The bill passed through the House of Representatives in January 2017 and was signed into law by  former President Donald Trump in October 2018. 

“Since coming to Congress in 2015, putting Fort Ontario on the path to becoming a National Park has been among my top priorities,” Katko said in a press release.  “I could not be more enthused that this bill is now law and our treasured landmark is on its way to being nationally recognized.”

The purpose of the study, according to the NPS website, is to gather information about Fort Ontario before Congress can decide if it meets the criteria to become a national park. The criteria used includes significance, suitability, feasibility, and the need for NPS management.

Public comment and community engagement in the study is highly encouraged, according to the NPS website. 

“The comment period will be open from September 1, 2021, to November 1, 2021,” the website states. “Please send your thoughts, comments and information.”

During this time, the public will be able to ask questions and give their opinions on the prospects of Fort Ontario becoming a national park. They are also encouraged to send in any materials related to Fort Ontario, including photos, diaries and letters. 

“Central New Yorkers will be able to weigh in on the prospect of Fort Ontario becoming a National Park and contribute any materials they may have to support its candidacy,” Kakto said. “Fort Ontario truly is a remarkable landmark that ought to be nationally recognized. I hope everyone will do their part to support this site’s bid to become a National Park.”

Fort Ontario was built in 1755 to defend the British during the French and Indian War and has had over two centuries of use, the most recent being emergency housing for European World War II refugees in the 1940s.

“This site is truly deserving of national recognition,” Katko said. “Fort Ontario was involved in nearly every American war … and Safe Haven served as the only Emergency Refugee Camp during WWII, providing shelter to over 980 refugees fleeing the Holocaust.  I was honored to introduce and pass through the House this bipartisan measure, but it would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Oswego community.”

City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow shared Katko’s enthusiasm for the study and said he is hoping it will elevate the city’s economy by bringing more visitors to the Oswego area. 

“The passage of this legislation allows the Oswego community more opportunity to promote our historical assets and use those assets to boost local tourism, promote our community and share the unique history within the City of Oswego,” Barlow said. 

Along with submitting questions, concerns and materials to the NPS during the Sept. 1 through Nov. 1 public comment period, community members are also welcome to join virtual informational meetings. The meetings are “a short informational presentation … and will be followed by time for questions related to the study and process,” according to the NPS website.

The first meeting was held virtually on Sept. 15 with the next scheduled for Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. via WebEx or by phone and will present the same information given at the first. The link to the meeting can be found on the NPS website.

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