Congressmember John Katko is urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to formally move forward with his legislation that will commission a study to designate Fort Ontario as a national park. From serving as a battle site in three U.S. wars—the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812—to becoming a safe haven for survivors fleeing the Holocaust, Katko said Fort Ontario is an important piece of history to Central New York and to the country.
The legislation was signed into law in 2018.
In a letter, Katko said the history of the fort’s role as an emergency refugee shelter for Holocaust survivors is still alive with Central New York residents who can recall their firsthand experiences there 78 years ago. He said the commemoration of Fort Ontario as a national park will honor their experiences.