Ross's Adventures of the first settlers on the Oregon or Columbia River, 1810-1813

by Alexander Ross

"Ross's Adventures of the First Settlers on the Oregon or Columbia River" by Alexander Ross is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative chronicles the experiences of Ross and fellow adventurers who joined John Jacob Astor’s expedition to establish the Pacific Fur Company on the Columbia River between 1810 and 1813. It provides insights into the lives of early settlers, their interactions with various Indian tribes, and the challenges they faced during this significant period of American expansion. At the start of the book, Ross introduces himself as one of the early commercial adventurers to the Pacific Northwest and outlines his journey that led him to be part of Astor's ambitious fur trading venture. He discusses the political climate, existing fur trade rivalries, and his decision to abandon farming for the promising opportunities of the fur trade. The opening chapters provide a glimpse into the preparations and dynamics of the expedition, including the diverse group of partners and workers involved, their departure from New York aboard the ship "Tonquin", and various challenges encountered at sea. Ross sets the stage for a vivid exploration of the perils, adventures, and socio-economic conditions of the region, highlighting his personal contributions and interactions with Native American tribes along the way.