Washington Irving
Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains
"Astoria; Or, Anecdotes of an Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains" by Washington Irving is a historical account published in 1836. The book chronicles John Jacob Astor's ambitious 1810–1813 expedition to establish an American trading post at the mouth of the Columbia River. Financed to compete with British interests, the venture involved perilous sea voyages and overland journeys that blazed the future Oregon Trail. The enterprise ultimately failed due to the War of 1812, conflicts with indigenous peoples, and harsh conditions, costing sixty lives and ending with the sale of all assets to rivals.