Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has introduced legislation to establish Fort Ontario as a National Monument.
Tenney announced on Thursday that she has introduced the Fort Ontario National Monument Establishment Act which would designate the Fort Ontario National Monument in Oswego as part of the National Park System.
Under US law, there are two ways to establish a National Monument. A monument can be created via an Act of Congress or by the President through the Antiquaries Act. As such Tenney, along with Congressman Brandon Williams have written a letter to President Joe Biden, asking to use his powers under the act to establish the site.
“Fort Ontario stands as a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, from the pivotal battles of the French and Indian War and the War of 1812 to its role as a place of safety for Jewish refugees during World War II. We must continue to honor and preserve the great significance of this historic site. I am committed to seeing Fort Ontario, a site of profound importance to our community and country, designated as a National Monument, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
The current Fort Ontario State Historic Site stands on the ruins of previous forts used during the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. From 1944-46, the fort was used by the US Army to house Jewish refugees of the Holocaust, the only such refugee camp in the US. 982 survivors were provided shelter at the fort after they escaped persecution in Europe.
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