List of New York State Historic Markers in Oswego County, New York facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Oswego County in New York is full of interesting history, and you can discover many cool facts by looking for special signs called New York State Historic Markers. These markers are like outdoor history books, telling stories about important people, places, and events that happened right where you're standing. They help us remember the past and understand how Oswego County became what it is today.

Exploring Oswego County's History Through Markers

Oswego County has many historic markers spread across its towns. Each one shares a unique piece of local history, from the first settlers to important battles and old buildings. Let's take a tour through some of these fascinating spots!

Constantia: Early Settlements and Historic Churches

The town of Constantia holds stories of some of the very first people to settle in the area.

First Settlers in Constantia

First Settler (Cleveland): Near Cleveland, a marker tells us that Christopher Martin made the first settlement here in 1821. Imagine what it was like to be one of the very first people to build a home in a new place!
First Settler (Bernhard's Bay): Another marker near Bernhard's Bay points to where John Bernhard settled in 1795. This was even earlier, showing how people slowly moved into different parts of the county.

Frenchman's Island and Old Churches

Frenchman's: About half a mile east of Constantia, you'll find a marker for "Frenchman's Island." This was a camp site for Van Schaick's expedition in 1779. They were returning from an attack on Onondaga during the American Revolutionary War.
Kempwyk: About a mile west of Cleveland, a marker shows the location of "Kempwyk," the home of Francis Adrian Van Der Kamp, built in 1793.
Trinity: In Constantia, there's a marker for Trinity Episcopal Church. This church was built in 1831, and the land and building were given by Frederick W. Scriba. It's amazing to see buildings that are almost 200 years old still standing!

Hastings: Native American History and Explorers

The town of Hastings has markers that tell us about early Native American life and famous explorers.

Early Settlements and Native American Life

First Settler (Caughdenoy): Near Caughdenoy, a marker shows where Myron Stevens made the first settlement in 1797.
Indian Fishery: Also in Caughdenoy, a marker tells about an important Native American fishing spot called T'kah-koon-goon-da-nah-yea, which was located here in 1753. This shows how important the rivers and lakes were for food and life long ago.

Champlain and Revolutionary War Routes

Near This Spot (Brewerton): In Brewerton, a marker reminds us that Samuel De Champlain, a famous French explorer, crossed the river and discovered Oneida Lake on October 8, 1615. This was a very early exploration of the area!
Over This Water Route: Another marker in Brewerton notes that St. Leger's army used this water route in 1777. They were on their way to attack Fort Stanwix during the Revolutionary War.
Arrow (Brewerton): A marker in Brewerton points to where Oliver Stevens, the first settler in Brewerton, built a blockhouse in 1794. A blockhouse was a strong, small fort used for defense.

Mexico: Revolutionary War Heroes

The town of Mexico has markers related to a brave hero from the American Revolution.

Silas Towne and Spy Island

Silas Towne: About four miles north of Mexico, near Lake Ontario, a marker honors Silas Towne. He was a Revolutionary War hero who overheard plans of St. Leger's army. His actions helped the American patriots save Fort Stanwix and win the Battle of Oriskany. This shows how one person's bravery can change history!
Arrow (Spy Island): Another marker about three miles north of Mexico points to Spy Island and the grave of Silas Towne.

Oswego City: Old Buildings and River Crossings

The city of Oswego has markers that highlight its early development as a town.

First Buildings in Oswego

First Court House: At the corner of East Oneida and East Second Streets, a marker shows where the first courthouse was built in 1822. It was later moved in 1859 and used as a church.
Cable Ferry: At West Seneca and West First Streets, a marker tells about the old cable ferry that crossed the river in 1803. Before bridges, ferries were how people and goods got across rivers.
First School House: Also at West Seneca and West First Streets, a marker points to the first building in Oswego used as a school, church, and public hall. It was built around 1806. Imagine going to school in a building that also served as a church and community center!

Redfield: Pioneer Settlers

The town of Redfield has a marker about its first settler.

Captain Nathan Sage

Captain Nathan Sage: In Redfield, a marker tells us that Captain Nathan Sage from Connecticut made the first settlement in the town around 1795.

Richfield: Champlain's Expedition

The town of Richfield also has a marker about Samuel De Champlain.

Champlain's Landing

Samuel De Champlain: In Pulaski, a marker notes that Samuel De Champlain, along with French and Huron allies, landed west of here on the lake shore in October 1615. They were on an expedition against the Iroquois.

Schroeppel: Canals, Mills, and Early Industry

The town of Schroeppel has many markers, showing its importance in early transportation and industry.

Roads, Mills, and Canals

1809 State Road: In Roosevelt Corners, a marker shows where an 1809 state road, later a plank road, passed through Roosevelt Hamlet. This hamlet was founded by Nicholas J. Roosevelt.
Burial Place: In Pennellville, a marker points to the burial place of the founder of the Town of Schroeppel, who owned a lot of land and died in 1825.
Grist Mill: In Gilbert's Mills, a marker tells about the first grist mill in Schroeppel, built by Andrus and Hiram Gilbert in 1819. Grist mills were super important for grinding grain into flour.
Hinmanville: In Hinmanville, a marker notes Lock No. 1 of the Old Oswego Canal, completed in 1828. Canals were like highways for boats, making it easier to transport goods across the state.
Pennell Saw Mill: In Pennellville, a marker shows where Dr. Richard Pennell built a saw mill in 1833. Saw mills were essential for cutting timber into lumber for building.
Schroeppel Homestead: At Schroeppel's Bridge, a marker points to the first frame house built in Schroeppel in 1818 by George Casper Schroeppel.

Historic Sites and Villages

Kuh-Na-Ta-Ha: In Phoenix, a marker describes Kuh-Na-Ta-Ha, an Indian fishing village from 1654. It was known as "Place of Tall Pines" and discovered by Father Le Moyne.
Site of British Camp: In Three Rivers, a marker tells that Sir Jeffery Amherst and ten thousand troops camped here in 1760. They were on their way to Canada to fight the French.
Site of Stockaded Fort: Also in Three Rivers, a marker shows the site of a stockaded fort built by the Colony of New York between 1758 and 1759. It was about 60 feet square and had three storehouses.
Site of Toll Gate (Plank Road): About a mile north of Phoenix, a marker shows where a toll gate for a plank road was located. This road, built in 1855, connected Phoenix with Pennellville.
Site of Toll Gate (Schroeppel): In Phoenix, a marker indicates where a town meeting was held at the home of James B. Richardson in 1833.
Site of Salt Well: In Gilbert's Mills, a marker tells about a salt well sunk 340 feet deep in 1864. It produced strong salt brine, and six kettles were used to make salt.
Site of First Log Cabin: At State and Culvert Streets in Phoenix, a marker shows where Abram Paddock, the first white settler in Schroeppel, built his log cabin in 1801. He was known to the Native Americans as "Bear Hunter Paddock."
Town Meeting: In Phoenix, a marker confirms that the first town meeting in Schroeppel was held at James B. Richardson's home in 1833.
Treasure Island: In Phoenix, a marker tells a fascinating story about French colonists who camped on an island in 1658 while escaping from Onondaga Indians. Legend says they lightened their war chests and left behind cannons and gold!

Scriba: Early Log Houses

The town of Scriba has a marker about its first home.

First Log House

Site of the First Log House: In Scriba, a marker shows where the first log house was built in 1804 by Major Hiel Stone. It even served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers in 1814.

Williamstown: Famous Inventors

The town of Williamstown has a marker about a famous inventor.

Jerome I. Case

Jerome I. Case: In Williamstown, a marker honors Jerome I. Case (1819-1891), who was born near here. He was a pioneer in building power farm machinery, which changed how farming was done!