Description

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Before Seattle, before Portland, there was Astoria.

The rest of the country is just beginning to discover Astoria, Oregon, that historic gem of a town at the mouth of the Columbia River west of Portland, and the oldest European-American settlement west of the Rockies.

The author provides a chronological look dating back to the 1500s, including European exploration, Native American life, logging, fishing, Chinese laborers in the salmon industry, a giant cheese in the Civil War, Oregon’s first female surgeon, Victorian architecture, and valiant Coast Guard rescues.

Published by Rivertide Publishing and distributed by Oregon State University Press

About the Author

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Karen Leedom is a writer who lived in Astoria for almost twenty years. Her love of history and fondness for Astoria prompted her to write this book. She will forever cherish the years she resided in this unique northwest corner of Oregon.
 

Praise For…

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"Karen Leedom’s Astoria is carefully researched, clearly written, and a joy to read. We enthusiastically recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the history of this fascinating area. Visitors will especially enjoy the three self-guided tours that are included." — Lisa Penner, Archivist, Clatsop County Historical Society  

"Finally, a comprehensive and easy-to-read history of this unique community—this is the book I was looking for when I moved here 20 years ago! A terrific resource and a 'must have' for every home library." —Jerry Ostermiller, Former President, Columbia River Maritime Museum