On March 24, 1848, the city of Oswego was granted its charter and became incorporated as a city. Now, 160 years later, the city is celebrating its milestone anniversary.

The American Flag from 1848 hung in council chambers as part of the 160th anniversary proclamation Monday evening. Mayor Randy Bateman stated that the name Oswego came from the indigenous people from the area meaning “pouring out place.”

City historian Rosemary Nesbitt was in attendance and dressed up as Oswego Town’s most memorable woman, Dr. Mary Walker. She was one of the first female doctors in the United States, serving during the Civil War for which she received the Congressional Medal of Honor. “I represent by wearing this costume the long, long list of distinguished people that came from this city,” Nesbitt said.

She noted that she is not a Port City native but feels like one because she has lived here so long. “It has given me great pride in the years I have lived here … to recognize what has been accomplished here,” Nesbitt said. “It is a remarkable place.”

The historian cautioned residents not to forget that Oswego’s history dates back to 1656. It was only in 1848 that the city received its charter. “If you don’t remember that, it leaves out 200 years of people who fought and died here to help establish this country,” Nesbitt said.

The city will celebrate in full its 160th anniversary at the farmers’ market, June 5, in downtown Oswego. The city charter will be on display for those who wish to read it. Nesbitt noted that the original market was located indoors and the owner of the original market building is restoring one of the market bays for people to visit during the celebration in June.

A look back

In 1848, the mayor was James Platt. There were only four wards during this time, unlike the seven today. Each ward had two aldermen, one elected to a two-year term, the other a one-year term. The 1st Ward aldermen in 1848 were Gilbert Mollison and Hunter Crane, serving a two-year term and one-year term respectively. The 2nd Ward aldermen were George Alvord and John Boigeol. In the 3rd Ward, Stephen H. Lathrop and Robert Oliver served. Samuel R. Taylor and William S. Malcolm were the 4th Ward aldermen in 1848.

One of the first recorded meetings for Oswego as an incorporated city was held April 11, 1848. During this meeting, more city officials were appointed and the rules and orders were established for the council meetings. Friday evenings were set for common council meetings. The Oswego Commercial Times was designated at the official city paper and a few days later it was deemed that city wharves and streets were public and citizens could not be charged to use them.