Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing to have an Upstate historical site named a National Monument.
The current Fort Ontario complex in Oswego dates back to the early 1840s when it was constructed on the grounds of the original which was destroyed by the British during the War of 1812. During World War II, the location served as the country’s only emergency refugee camp for people fleeing the Holocaust.
Gillibrand wants the fort designated as a national monument to give it permanent protection and ensure its preservation.
“Fort Ontario was a place of refuge during a dark moment in history,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Giving the site federal recognition would commemorate its important role in New York’s history and honor the plight and perseverance of Jewish refugees fleeing the horrors of the Holocaust, keeping their stories alive for years to come. I am proud to be leading this push and I look forward to visiting again once Fort Ontario is finally a national monument.”
There are two ways for establishing a national monument: either through congressional legislation or by the president through the Antiquities Act of 1906. Gillibrand has written a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to designate Fort Ontario as a national monument as well as introducing the Fort Ontario National Monument Establishment Act into Congress.
Her letter to Biden can be viewed below:
“Fort Ontario’s place in American history is well chronicled, and for the people of this region few locations carry as much tradition and importance. The Fort has undergone a number of changes since its construction in 1755, but for generations has remained part of the very fabric of our nation. Families, volunteers and organizations in this region know the history here and have worked tirelessly to preserve it. Today’s announcement builds on those efforts and would enable Fort Ontario to take its rightful place among our country’s most cherished monuments. I want to commend Sen. Gillibrand for her work and advocacy to bring a ‘National Monument’ designation to this incredible site,” said Assembly Member William Barclay.
“I am thrilled that Senator Gillibrand has continued to demonstrate her support for Fort Ontario. She has been a great partner in our effort to give this truly historic site all the recognition it deserves,” said Former Congressman John Katko
