Astoria
The city of Astoria, originally Fort Astoria, is the Capital of the Republic of Oregon. Founded by John Jacob Astor in 1811, it was the settlement in which Thomas Jefferson declared the independence of the entire region.
Demographics
At the founding of the fort, the majority of the population consisted of native tribes working to assimilate into the primarily Anglican culture. Upon the construction of the railway system in the 1860's by joint American and Oregonian efforts, the European descendant population increased exponentially, this was further compounded at the discovery of gold in Alaska.
Government
Astoria is the seat of the federal government of Oregon, including the Presidential Mansion, the Senatorial Building, and the Supreme Court.
Industry & Trade
The primary trade of Astoria began as a fur colony. However, other goods included timber and tobacco. At the discovery of gold, the trade for the substance became a cash good.
History
In 1815, during the War of the North, the settlement was visited by the British ship HMS Racoon. The initial intent was to capture the fort away from American hands. However, the crew and captain of the ship were informed the area was an independent and neutral nation. Confused, the captain relayed the information back to London, to which the response was one of disdain. The British government had increasingly viewed the North American Continent as increasingly too much trouble for the worth, but the matter was not pressed due to the ongoing wars against America and Napoleon.
Tourism
While many tourism exists to the settlement, the majority exists as a stopping point to the much larger near city of Portland.
Natural Resources
The initial trade goods of the area included fur, timber, and eventually gold.
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