History

Astoria was established by the John Jacob Astor Pacific Fur Trading Party in 1811, and became the first permanent U.S. settlement West of the Rockies, recognized and written about by President Thomas Jefferson and Washington Irving. Astorias location was discovered during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. Claiming attempts came later by the Russians, the British and the

Spanish, before Astor staked claim by establishing the fur-trading outpost at the mouth of the Columbia River.

The United States lost the territory briefly in 1813, when it was owned by the British and re-named Fort George. But in 1818, Astoria once again belonged to the U.S., when Oregon Country was established through a treaty with England.

From there, Astoria grew from a fur trapping center, to a fishing community, and eventually to what it is today, with a rich history and a thriving future.

In recent years, national attention has been showered on?Astoria. It has been the setting for many films, such as Free Willy, Kindergarten Cop and The Goonies. The latter movies cult following among fans continues to allow Astoria to bask in worldwide attention.

Celebrations and events

The 2011 festivities include a number of events. Among the biggest are a series of historical lectures and guests including Lord Astor and Reba McEntire.

The celebration includes the Adventure in History lecture series.

The lectures are held at the Liberty Theater and feature period music, desserts and a no host bar.

Local historian and author Rex Ziak will speak about The Astor Party and the Founding of Astoria; Why

It Matters to the Nation April 12, followed by James Ronda May 19 on the topic of Astors Empire. Jane

Kirkpatrick will conclude the series Sept. 15, speaking on Madame Marie Dorion, the Iowan Indian women

who journeyed with her husband and two children over the Rockies with the overland Astor Party led by

Wilson Price Hunt that arrived in Astoria January 1812. Tickets are available now for each of the lectures.

The Regatta, a celebration held every year in August, will feature Reba McEntire. She will take the stage at Camp Rilea, which will be transformed into a venue that will host the Fancy singer and 12,000 guests.

The 234th Army Band and Phil Vasser are among those who will open for the big performance Aug. 14 from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

I think its fabulous. It will bring in a great crowd of people and will open it up to a wider audience. I mean, Reba fans are ageless so I think its phenomenal that Eric?(Paulson) and Paul (Mitchell) made this happen, said

Bicentennial Director Paulette McCoy.

Paulson and Mitchell both sealed the deal with the star. Paulson serves as the president to the Regatta celebration.

Leaving a legacy

The legacy gift of the centennial celebration 100 years ago is one of the most prominent Astoria markers still standing today. The Astoria Column is painted with the story of Astoria from Lewis and Clark to the arrival of the train.

One part of Astorias history, however, that was rarely mentioned was the contribution of the Chinese people who built the levies and worked the canneries. To honor their contribution to Astorias history, the legacy gift for the Bicentennial is a Chinese garden called The Garden of Surging Waves.

All of the artwork, made by hand in China, illustrates the history of the Chinese in Astoria. The project is expected to break ground at the bottom of Ninth Street by the time the Regatta starts in August.

Pacific Power, which is marking its own 100th milestone, has stepped up to share in the fun. Some 200 trees were planted on Earth Day to brighten up the community. And the Shively Fountain will be back in place after being missing for a while.

For more information on all of the Bicentennial happenings, log on to Astoria200.org and visit the Bicentennial Trading Post in Astoria for Bicentennial merchandise.