Alexander Hamilton has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the release of the musical "Hamilton" on Disney Plus renewing that popularity in the last week. But many people might not know that one of the last things Hamilton did before he died was buy land in Oswego.

In the show, you learn about Hamilton and the family he married into; a family with several ties to the Port City.

“Pretty interesting,” said Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. “It’s a fact most people don’t know.”

Local historians say that in 1802, Hamilton; his brother in law, John Church; and business partner John Lawerence purchased land between the east side of the Oswego River to the city line. The area is known as Hamilton Gore.

“It was the first fresh water port on the Eastern seaboard,” said Oswego County Historian Justin White. “Congress initiated in 1799. He was very well aware of the progress Oswego was making as an industrial port and he knew investments in the land would be very prosperous.”

Today, families, maybe unaware of the land’s history, live there. You know you’re in Hamilton Gore by looking at the street signs: Schuyler Street, Church Street, and of course, Hamilton Street.

“The three owners eventually sold the property and subdivided it,” said Oswego City Historian Mark Slosek. “Many of the streets in Hamilton Park and other places are named after Hamilton and his family." 

Both Hamilton’s sister-in-law and niece lived in Oswego. Catherine Schuyler Cochran and Elizabeth Church Bunner are buried in Riverside Cemetery. They too have streets named after them.

“We don’t know if he ever stepped foot in Oswego, but we believe if he had lived long enough, he would have and visited his relatives here,” White said.