Astoria; Gateway to the Pacific Northwest
Astoria reinvents itself through tourism, history, and the arts
Hisatory: Astoria
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Nestled at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, where the freshwater meets the salty brine of the Pacific, lies Astoria, Oregon — the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Rich in maritime history, with stunning vistas and quirky small-town charm, Astoria has long been both a cultural and historical beacon for the Pacific Northwest.
Lewis and Clark Arrive on the Scene
The town of Astoria has its roots in the early 19th century when the famed Corps of Discovery led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived on the shores of the Pacific. After trekking thousands of miles across uncharted wilderness, the expedition reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Establishing Fort Clatsop nearby, they endured relentless rain and isolation that winter before returning overland eastward the following spring. Though brief, their stay marked the first significant American presence in the area and laid the path for future settlements.
John Jacob Astor and the Founding of Astoria
It was John Jacob Astor, a wealthy New York entrepreneur, for whom the city was named. Seeking to expand his fur trade empire into the Pacific Northwest in 1811, Astor’s Pacific Fur Company established Fort Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. While it was a risky venture in uncharted territory, Astor believed in the region’s potential as a hub for the lucrative fur trade. While the location was indeed propitious on the economic front, the settlement faced geographic isolation, harsh weather, and international conflict which proved challenging for the early settlement.
During the War of 1812, the British invaded the fort, renaming it Fort George. While the fort changed hands multiple times over the decades, the name “Astoria” endured, a testament to John Jacob Astor and his early ambitions for the region. The city would go on to represent the first permanent U.S. foothold on the Pacific Coast and grow to be an important hub for trade and exploration.
A Port City Takes Shape
Strategically located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria was a natural center for commerce. In the mid-19th century, as the fur trade waned, other industries quickly stepped up to take its place. It wasn’t long before timber and fishing had become the backbone of Astoria’s economy with the verdant forests of the Pacific Northwest at its backdoor and the waters of the Columbia and the Pacific teeming with fish.
By the late 19th century, Astoria was a bustling port city with immigrants, particularly from Scandinavia and China, arriving in droves to work in the fishing industry and nearby canneries. Salmon in particular was the engine that drove Astoria’s economy and canneries lined the riverfront. At its peak, the city was home to dozens of canneries and a thriving fishing fleet, whose bounty was shipped globally, earning it the title of “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Immigration and Cultural Melting Pot
Astoria’s immigrant communities left an indelible mark on its character. Scandinavian immigrants, largely Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians, brought the traditions of their homelands with them, particularly cuisine and a hearty work ethic. The Finnish community established Astoria’s Uniontown neighborhood and constructed the iconic Suomi Hall, which remains a cultural landmark today. By 1905 Astoria’s Finnish population had grown to be the largest west of the Mississippi.
In addition to the Scandinavian immigrants, Chinese workers played a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in the development of Astoria. Working in canneries and laying railroads, the Chinese contributed to the city’s growth, despite facing considerable discrimination and adversity. The Chinese influence can still be felt in Astoria’s history with remnants of the once-thriving Chinatown offering glimpses into their contributions, including work on the seawall along the waterfront and the jetties at the mouth of the Columbia.
Disaster and Rebirth
Despite its economic successes, Astoria faced its share of adversity. The Great Fire of 1922 devastated the city, laying waste to much of the downtown and displacing thousands. Over time, Astoria was rebuilt with brick and concrete replacing the previous wood structures.
In the decades that followed, the timber and fishing industries began to wane and Astoria’s economic future appeared uncertain. However, the resilient pioneer spirit surfaced once again as the city persevered and reinvented itself as a hub for history, arts, and tourism. The historic downtown, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and rustic waterfront have consistently drawn visitors wishing to experience the charm of this riverside town.
Hollywood Comes to Astoria
In the 1980s Hollywood discovered Astoria. The city’s scenic beauty and vintage charm made it an ideal location for films. The movie that really put Astoria on the cinematic map was the 1985 classic “The Goonies.” Fans still flock to visit iconic spots in the movie such as the Goonies House and the Astoria Column. Other movies filmed in Astoria included “Kindergarten Cop,” “Free Willy,” and “Short Circuit.”
Astoria Today: A Blend of Old and New
Today, Astoria is a vibrant mix of past and present. Its historic roots are evident in landmarks like the Astoria Column, the towering monument that offers panoramic views of both the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, and the Flavel House Museum, a wonderfully preserved Victorian mansion. Once dominated by canneries, the waterfront is now home to breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques — a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Astoria’s maritime legacy is honored at the Columbia River Maritime Museum where visitors can explore the treacherous history of the Columbia Bar, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” The museum highlights the courage of the bar pilots and Coast Guard crews who navigate these treacherous waters.
More than just a historical footnote, Astoria is a living, breathing reflection of the Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty and pioneering spirit. As the first permanent American settlement on the West Coast, the city brims with historical significance, and whether you’re drawn to it for its maritime heritage, cinematic charm, or breathtaking landscapes, the story of Astoria will continue to fascinate those who visit this gem of a town where the mighty Columbia meets the great Pacific.