A Place of Industry

Oswego offered close proximity to raw materials from the interior, a water route to markets of the world, and water power. These assets caused the river banks to become lined with factories, warehouses, and storage buildings. Materials were transferred, products were manufactured, and Oswego merchants prospered.

Factories
The Kingsford starch works occupied a large area south of West Albany Street and employed hundreds of people. The rooftop bell that called them to work is now located in Breitbeck Park.

Four Centuries of Waterfront Industry
Over time the materials, products, and modes of transportation changed, but the importance of the river and harbor has been the common factor. By 1820, Oswego was the leading distribution center for Salina salt. Innovations in ship propulsion were launched from the harbor, and products are distributed from Oswego around the world.

Elevators
Grain was shipped to Oswego from the mid-west, stored in grain elevators for distribution inland, and manufactured into flour by riverside mills.

Trestles
Coal was carried from Pennsylvania by rail and transferred to ships on huge trestles that extended into the harbor.

Yards
Lumbers was milled, exported, and imported through open yards on piers and even an island in the middle of the river.

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Show me all markers in:  Oswego, NY  |  Oswego County  |  13126  |  New York  |  United States of America

Age of Iron Horses
Early Shipping
Bicentennial Peace Garden
The Fur Trade
Seaway Trail
The Oswego Canal
War for Empire
The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway
On This Site
Richardson - Bates House Museum

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