Fort Ontario

06/22/2026

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! We are open today from 10AM to 4:30PM.

Fort Ontario has deep connections to Black history, from the Rhode Island Regiment - made up of about half freemen and escaped formerly enslaved peoples - participating in Willett's Campaign to take Fort Ontario for the Continental Army during the American Revolution, to the Fort hosting the 24th US Infantry - the first Buffalo Soldiers posted east of the Mississippi River in the early 20th-Century, to retraining the 369th US Infantry AKA the Harlem Hellfighters into an anti-aircraft artillery unit. Today we remember their service and celebrate their Emancipation.

Happy Juneteenth from New York State Parks and Historic Sites! This Emancipation Day, explore the stories of enslaved Africans and African Americans who helped build New York and their struggle for emancipation both in our state and around the nation. Today and throughout this weekend, many state parks and historic sites are hosting programs that bring attention to the dark history of enslavement in New York while celebrating the legal end of slavery in the United States. It's also Path Through History weekend in New York State. Take some time to connect with the past at a park or historic site near you: https://loom.ly/_wchd_M

06/18/2026

"What do you think of setting fire to Fort Ontario?" We'd really prefer if you didn't, General Schuyler.

(Although no longer under command of Philip Schuyler, who was removed from charge of the Northern Department in 1777, Fort Stanwix did eventually send a contingent of Continentals in 1779 to burn the already abandoned Fort Ontario to encourage the British not to regarrison. The British, however, continued to use the Fort to stage operations, and began rebuilding and regarrisoning in 1782.)

A Letter From Colonel Elias Dayton to General Philip Schuyler:

"Fort Stanwix July 18th 1776
My Dear General

The Bearer of this letter - Schuyler has just returned from Oswego being employed as a Scout, who says, all is peace & quiet there as yet. He saw about the Fort a horse & several Cows, which I think may be easily removed should you, Sir, approve of it. If they be left there a little longer, our Enemies may perhaps possess them. Tomorrow I intend to dismiss two Scouts towards as Oswegatchie; By this means I hope always to prevent the least surprise from our barbarous Foes.

What do you think of setting fire to Fort Ontario?

I am my Dear General with the greatest respect
your very humble Servant
Elias Dayton

To General Schuyler"

06/17/2026

As we reflect on our Revolutionary War Weekend 2026 we thought to share this wonderful review from a patron who was in attendance last weekend. These experiences are why the staff and volunteers of Fort Ontario SHS do what we do and nothing makes our day more than hearing a positive note!

"The Revolutionary War reenactment that began at Washington Square Park pushed all the way to Fort Ontario. We followed the column north up 4th Street and through the gate, and the moment the fort grounds came into view, it clicked: this is exactly what this hilltop was built for.

After the battle action settled, we had the chance to talk with two of the reenactors — Josiah and Chris — who were genuinely generous with their time. They walked us through the whole process of loading a flintlock musket with gunpowder, demonstrated the firing sequence, and explained the details of period-accurate dress in surprising depth. Chris even talked about how uncomfortable the shoes are — leather-soled, period construction, no left-right distinction — and laughed about it the way you would if you'd been wearing them for hours on a hot June afternoon. That kind of off-script conversation is what separates a great living history event from just a show.

Then we found ourselves at the top of the hill with Lake Ontario stretched out in front of us. The iconic Oswego lighthouse sat low on the water in the distance, and on a clear, sunny day like today, the view was genuinely breathtaking.

We even struck up a conversation with a visitor from Parish who gave us a local's rundown on Harborfest — and had very strong opinions about where to sit on the lawn to catch the fireworks.

Fort Ontario carries an almost unbelievable breadth of American history in a single footprint. But today, with reenactors drilling in the midday sun, white canvas tents across the parade ground, and Lake Ontario glittering past the rampart wall, it doesn't feel like a museum. It feels like a place that still knows what it was built for."

06/15/2026

06/14/2026

That's a wrap! Thank you to the 24th Regiment of Foot for organizing a yet again sensational Revolutionary War Weekend at Fort Ontario State Historic Site.

06/14/2026

UPDATE: due to the weather, the 11AM Tactical demonstration this morning (Sunday, June 14) is CANCELLED for the safety of our patrons and volunteers.

06/12/2026

OSWEGO — Thick clouds of gunsmoke will engulf both sides as commanders bark orders over deafening volleys of musket fire and the British and Continental battle lines move to and

06/06/2026

Yesterday we were honored to host several groups from American Cruise Lines. Fort Ontario showcased a special 19th century foodways program and provided the groups with our famous molasses cookies, an institutional tradition since 1962!

06/03/2026

We had a blast welcoming the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 12-1 Central Ohio today! The cavalry sure has modernized since 1868.