Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has reintroduced a bill to designate Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, as a National Monument. The legislation, known as the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act, seeks to incorporate the site into the National Park System.
Fort Ontario is currently a state historic site and is the fourth fortification built on its grounds. It has historical significance due to its roles in the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. Between 1944 and 1946, it served as the United States’ only refugee camp for Jewish Holocaust survivors fleeing Nazi persecution. This camp was known as “Safe Haven.”
Congresswoman Tenney emphasized the importance of recognizing Fort Ontario’s history: “We must ensure that the historic importance of Fort Ontario is properly honored and preserved for future generations.” She highlighted its role in past wars and as a refuge for Holocaust survivors. The proposed act aims to preserve this legacy by granting it national monument status.
