Oswego in Oswego County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
1. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the east and north sides of the marker.
The O & W Railroad Promenade and Bikeway was constructed in 2000-2001 and is named for the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad which served Oswego from 1880 to 1957. The O & W, as it came to be known, was the successor to the New York, Oswego, and Midland Railroad which began passenger service to Oswego in 1869. The O & W tracks ran from Bridge Street north on the route now occupied by the bike path and pedestrian walkway. The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad owned the tracks and tunnel south of Bridge Street. The tunnel was originally opened in 1876 and became part of the New York Central Railroad in 1913.
Use of the tunnel for railroad purposes was discontinued in 1976 and by the 1990's it had deteriorated creating a risk of collapse. The restoration and reuse project is a blend of historic preservation and new construction which will allow this facility to continue to serve transportation needs of the current and future generations. The "O&W 2000" on the tunnel entrance commemorates the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway project and is not intended to indicate the historic ownership of the tunnel.
The O&W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway was funded through the Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), the New York State Department of Transportation, Oswego County and the City of Oswego. The partnership reflects the ISTEA priorities of reuse of historic railroad facilities and provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
A special thank you to the generous donors from the local community who contributed to the tree planting along the promenade. The names of the donors are engraved ninth brick pavers which can be found along the walkway.
Text on the south side of marker:
The first New York State Armory
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 43° 27.356′ N, 76° 30.397′ W. Marker is in Oswego, New York, in Oswego County. It is on East 1st Street (New York State Route 481) south of East Oneida Street, on the left 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 Bicentennial Peace Garden markers, next to the old armory building (157 East 1st Street), and along the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade & Bikeway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oswego NY 13126, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Central New York, and in the Syracuse
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
2. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view of the north panel of the maker.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: War for Empire (within shouting distance of this marker); Seaway Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fur Trade (within shouting distance of this marker); People of the River (within shouting distance of this marker); War of 1812 Bicentennial/Peace Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Shipping (within shouting distance of this marker); River Industries (within shouting distance of this marker); Age of Iron Horses (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oswego.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
3. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view of the east panel of the maker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
4. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view of the map of Oswego N.Y.O. & W Railway Yard that is displayed on the eastern panel of the maker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
5. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the marker alongside of the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway, which is viewed crossing East 1st Street, towards the Oswego River.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
6. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the marker alongside of the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway, which is viewed heading towards the "O & W" tunnel.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
7. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway
View of the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway, which is viewed as heading towards the "O & W" tunnel.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
8. The "O & W" Tunnel
View of the O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway, heading into the "O & W" tunnel.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
9. The "O & W" Tunnel
View of the interior of the "O & W" Tunnel
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
10. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the west and south sides of the marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
11. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view of the west panel of the maker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
12. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view of the south panel of the maker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
13. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a 1882 photograph, showing Oswego's, New York State Armory Building.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
14. New York State Armory Building
View, looking north east, of the present day, remodeled, and repurposed former New York State Armory Building.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
15. New York State Armory Building
View, looking east, of the present day, remodeled, and repurposed former New York State Armory Building.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
16. New York State Armory Building
View, looking south east, of the present day, remodeled, and repurposed former New York State Armory Building.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
17. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the marker looking north along East 1st Street.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 22, 2015
18. The O & W Railroad Pedestrian Promenade and Bikeway Marker
View of the marker looking northwest along East 1st Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 967 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. submitted on August 2, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
