Oswego was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1999 by Erik Denno (Kerosene 454), Darren Zentek (Donora, Glendale, Kerosene 454), Chris Turco (Kukim), and Mike Markarian (Vita Bruno), and was later joined by Ryan Nelson (Most Secret Method) and Vin Novara (1.6 Band, Crownhate Ruin).