Astoria: Discover the History

Astoria is a maritime town, surrounded by natural beauty, and claims a heritage as a center of fur trading, fishing, and logging.

It is a place of history and character, and can be enjoyed by the casual visitor or the inquisitive sightseer.

Nestled against the hills along the Columbia River, Astoria’s numerous Victorian homes overlook the town named for the early fur trader, John Jacob Astor. There are more buildings on the National Historic Register per square foot than anywhere else in Oregon.

Rich in a colorful history – including the arrival of Capt. Robert Gray in 1792 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 -the area embraces its roots and builds on the future with riverfront improvements and downtown revitalization. Astoria is a tourist destination for cruise ships, river explorers, history buffs and vacationers traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Whether you’re strolling through the extensive Sunday Market with its farm-fresh vegetables and crafts, or walking on the Riverwalk, you’re sure to enjoy the ambiance of this former “Salmon Capital of the World.”

Astoria is a friendly place and provides easy access to major recreational areas on Oregon’s North Coast and the Long Beach (Wash.) Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River from numerous points in the city along with river cruises, walking and driving tours, wildlife viewing, shopping and dining.

The trolley’s bell, whistles from ships and the barks of sea lions add to the maritime atmosphere of this enchanting town.