Oswego in Oswego County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Age of Iron Horses
The Railroad Arrives
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
1. Age of Iron Horses Marker
The railroad overtook the river and canal as the major mode of transport to and from the interior. The river banks and waterfront were dominated by tracks, bridges, and coal trestles. Coal, grain, lumber, and people now moved through the city by rail, but the harbor was still the place where passengers and freight were transferred to lake vessels.
People and Cargo
An engine pulls up to the O & W passenger station.
Ships docked at the coal pier where coal is loaded into ships from rail cars.
A Direct Connection
The New York, Ontario, and Western Railroad connected New York City with Oswego, and the trestle allowed a connection to the rail system that continued to the west.
The Trestle and Tunnel
The trestle and tunnel that you can see on the other side of the road are still working to connect east with west, now for pedestrians.
The railroad was an important means of transport for passengers as well as freight. People could not only travel from New York to Oswego, but they could also board a steamer for the lake and St. Lawrence River resorts.
Erected by Seaway Trail, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 43° 27.324′ N, 76° 30.411′ W. Marker is in Oswego, New York, in Oswego County. Marker is on East 1st Street (New York State Route 481) north of East Mohawk Street, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located in the downtown area, on the high ground overlooking the East side of the Oswego River, across the street from the old armory building (157 East 1st Street), along the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade & Bikeway, under a canopy, with seven other Seaway Trail markers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oswego NY 13126, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. River Industries (here, next to this marker); Early Shipping (a few steps from this marker); People of the River (a few steps from this marker); The Oswego Canal (a few steps from this marker); The Fur Trade (a few steps from this marker); Bicentennial Peace Garden (a few steps from this marker); Seaway Trail (a few steps from this marker); War for Empire (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oswego.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
2. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
3. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph, of a train engine that has pulled up to the O & W passenger station in Oswego.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
4. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph, of ships docked at the Oswego coal pier, where coal is loaded into ships from rail cars.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
5. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a map of the New York, Ontario, & Western Railway, showing the direct railway connection between New York City and Oswego.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
6. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of the railway line train schedule, that included a daily connection between New York City and Oswego.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
7. Age of Iron Horses Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph, of the trestle and the tunnel that was built for the railway line in Oswego.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
8. Age of Iron Horses Marker
View of the railway tunnel, that was built for the railway line in Oswego, as it appears today.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
9. Age of Iron Horses Marker
A distant view of the marker (along with the other Seaway Trail markers) looking north along East 1st Street.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
10. Age of Iron Horses Marker
A distant view of the marker as part of the series of Seaway Trail marker panels that are on display along the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade & Bikeway.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 360 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 27, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
