View of the Town of Oswego, New York

The fine engraving we give on page 224, is an accurate view of the flourishing town of Oswego, N.Y., a port of entry, and, alternating with Pulaski, the seat of justice of Oswego county. It is 178 miles west-by-north of Albany, and is built on both sides of Oswego River, on its entrance into Lake Ontario, a circumstance which gives it a remarkably picturesque, indeed, a sort of Venetian aspect, as shown in our illustration. The fine bridge which connects the two portions of the town, is a striking feature in the general view. It is 700 feet in length. The streets, as will be noticed, cross each other at right angles, and they have a uniform width of 100 feet. The evils of narrow streets, so great in old cities, have been happily avoided in this. There are also some fine large squares, in which churches and other public buildings are located. The First Presbyterian and Episcopal churches, standing on commanding eminences, make a fine appearance. Education is sedulously cared for in Oswego, and its schools and academies enjoy a fair reputation. Its commercial facilities are extraordinary, and are developed to the utmost. Its harbor is excellent. It is formed by a pier, enclosing the mouth of the river 1290 feet in length, and built by the United States government. The depth of water within the pier varies from ten to twenty feet. A large amount of tonnage is owned here. A canal connects Oswego with the Erie Canal. Through this channel a large portion of the trade between New York and the West passes. The railroad from Syracuse also brings other facilities of business to Oswego. From Oswego to Ogdensburg is about 110 miles. The water power afforded by the river and canal is very profitably employed, and there are a large number of flouring-mills in operation. The harbor is defended by an old fort, which dates back to "good old colony times," and has been the scene of many a desperate engagement.