Astoria is perhaps best known as the place where the Lewis and Clark expedition ended its monumental journey across America. Astoria today is a city of about 10,000 with a colorful history and beautiful coastal location attractive to its many tourists. Most historic, in terms of time, is restored Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark party spent the winter of 1805-06. The fort has been destroyed or damaged by fire more than once, and the present national monument is a re-creation of the original.
Astoria has been a thriving seaport since Astor’s Pacific Fur company founded Fort Astoria in 1811. The first U.S. Post Office west of the Rocky Mountains was established in Astoria in 1847. Another reference to the founding Astor family is the Astoria Column, built atop the hill above town to provide a breathtaking view.
Of course, the mighty Columbia, the Pacific Ocean, and numerous nearby beach resorts, including Seaside and Cannon Beach, are the ultimate attractions to this area. |