A Natural Port for Commerce and Conflict

The river access to the lake made Oswego a natural hub for commerce, as well as a place to transfer goods, travelers, and armies from river and land carriers to lake vessels. Many of the vessels were built here. Through the centuries the type of vessels used for shipping activities underwent a dramatic evolution.

Early Shipping Vessels
The first vessel used for trade in and around Oswego Harbor was the Native American pack canoe. In the 18th century the longer and heavier French bateaux replaced the canoe because it was stabile enough to carry large quantities of trade goods.

Early settlers preferred the Durham boat, which made it possible to transfer heavy commercial cargo on the still turbulent Oswego River.

Vessels of War
In 1808 Lieutenant Melancthon Woolsey, and several naval officers arrived at Oswego to build the first American vessel-of-war on the Great Lakes - the brig Oneida. The Oneida was launched in the spring of 1809, carrying sixteen guns, and was later used in the War of 1812.

The Steam Era
Before the completion of the railroad, the steamer was the principle means of passenger travel and commercial transportation. Numerous steamers navigated the lake, landing and receiving passengers to and from Oswego by the thousands, and freight by hundreds of tons.

Lake Steam Screw Propeller
The Vandalia, built in Oswego, was the first ship on the lake to use the lake steam screw propeller.

A Thriving Port City
This mid 19th century etching shows the docks crowded with lake and canal vessels.

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

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

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