John Jacob Astor was a very successful & wealthy New York fur trader in the late 18th century who saw the great potential in creating a new fur trade in the undeveloped Pacific Northwest.
Originally a German immigrant, this hard working industrialist amassed a fortune finding furs for the popular beaver hat.
In 1810 Astor sent two parties of men to present day Astoria. One party traced the Lewis & Clark journey. The second party sailed by clippership around South America. By 1811, after much trial & tribulation, Astor had established Fort Astoria which became the oldest settlement west of the rockies.
Quick Facts
• Astoria was named after John Jacob Astor
• John Jacob Astor never visited Astoria
• Waldorf, Germany was established as a sister city of Astoria in 1962
• Astoria was sold to the Britsh in 1813 during the war of 1812
John Jacob Astor was a very successful & wealthy New York fur trader in the late 18th century who saw the great potential in creating a new fur trade in the undeveloped Pacific Northwest.
