Oswego Harbor and West Pier Lighthouse near Syracuse, NY have been in use in one way or another since the early 1800s. Fort Ontario was the site of the first lighthouse built in Oswego in 1822. Because of the high amount of commercial trade going through this area, a new lighthouse was needed. To make the harbor more visible, they built a gray tower in an octagon shape on the west pier that goes to the harbor. In the next 60 years, many additions and changes were made to the West Pier Lighthouse including increasing the height of the tower and adding a breakwater and Outer Harbor Light.
In 1934, a new lighthouse was built next to the Outer Harbor Light. It had Fresnal lens and red windows, both of which have been replaced by clear windows and a solar powered lantern. The entrance to the Oswego port is the location of the pier. Members of the Coast Guard maintain the light. Although it's not open to the public, the grounds of Fort Oswego give the perfect view. There are also several spots around the port where viewing is possible. The federal government has made the lighthouse available recently and Oswego hopes to acquire it.
The West Pier Lighthouse and Oswego Harbor are great landmarks in the area and attract many tourists. The actual location is the Oswego River in New York. It's also a great spot for a romantic walk. In 1942, there was a storm during an exchange of keepers and many Coast Guardsmen died. There are still stories today about the lighthouse being haunted by those that died.
