Astorian Expeditions
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Economics, Land Acquisition and Expansion, Territory Redistribution, Discovery, Exploration
- Subcategories: Explorers, Frontier, Pioneers
- Curriculum: 19th Century European History, British History, American Early National History (1789-1815), Canadian History
- Geographical Location: Oregon
- Date: September 8, 1810-May, 1812
Article abstract: A new phase in the escalating American-British contest for control of the Northwest.
Summary of Event
John Jacob Astor came to New York from Germany in 1784 to make his fortune in a new land. Beginning as a clerk in a furrier’s shop, he eventually became a major fur dealer and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the United States. By 1800, Astor realized that further expansion of his business would bring him into direct competition with the great British fur companies of Canada—the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West...
[The entire page is 1653 words long]