The rest of the country is just beginning to discover the marvels of our gem at the mouth of the Columbia River--the area the Clatsop and Chinook Indians called home for thousands of years, where the Lewis and Clark expedition spent a wet, miserable winter, where John Jacob Astor hoped to make a fortune in the fur trade, and where the salmon capital of the world once resided.
Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest European American settlement west of the Rockies. It is often referred to as “little San Francisco” because of the abundant Victorian homes that cling to the steep streets overlooking the harbor, many of them listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
Few had even heard of Astoria, Oregon, until the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial generated a nationwide interest in Oregon’s scenic north coast. Today, hardly a day goes by that a gaggle of tourists isn’t seen parading through Astoria’s streets. Major cruise lines regularly call on Astoria, and sternwheelers pause on their way up and down the Columbia. During the summer months there is even a jet boat, the Outrageous, offering travelers a wild ride down the Columbia River from Portland to Astoria.
Numerous descendants of the immigrants who settled in Astoria still live in the area. This history focuses primarily on that ancestry.
A chronology of events from the 1500s to present day can be found in the appendix, along with self-guided tours of downtown and the riverfront, and a listing of things to do and places to visit in the Astoria area.
Whether you’re a born and bred Astorian, or just passing through, Astoria’s history is rife with drama that will captivate and inspire you. So settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy this journey through time.
Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest European American settlement west of the Rockies. It is often referred to as “little San Francisco” because of the abundant Victorian homes that cling to the steep streets overlooking the harbor, many of them listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
Few had even heard of Astoria, Oregon, until the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial generated a nationwide interest in Oregon’s scenic north coast. Today, hardly a day goes by that a gaggle of tourists isn’t seen parading through Astoria’s streets. Major cruise lines regularly call on Astoria, and sternwheelers pause on their way up and down the Columbia. During the summer months there is even a jet boat, the Outrageous, offering travelers a wild ride down the Columbia River from Portland to Astoria.
Numerous descendants of the immigrants who settled in Astoria still live in the area. This history focuses primarily on that ancestry.
A chronology of events from the 1500s to present day can be found in the appendix, along with self-guided tours of downtown and the riverfront, and a listing of things to do and places to visit in the Astoria area.
Whether you’re a born and bred Astorian, or just passing through, Astoria’s history is rife with drama that will captivate and inspire you. So settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy this journey through time.