Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
John Jacob Astor collection, 1811-1932
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Astor, John Jacob, 1763-1848
- Title
- John Jacob Astor collection
- Dates
- 1811-1932 (inclusive)18111932
- Quantity
- 0.1 cubic feet, (2 folders in shared box)
- Collection Number
- Mss 888
- Summary
- Collection consists of typescript copies of miscellaneous historical and biographical material by and about John Jacob Astor, primarily correspondence.
- Repository
-
Oregon Historical Society Research Library
1200 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
97205
Telephone: 503-306-5240
Fax: 503-219-2040
libreference@ohs.org - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
John Jacob Astor was born in July 17, 1763, in Germany, and became a fur trader and merchant. He established the American Fur Company in 1808 and later the Pacific Fur Company and Southwest Fur Company, with trading posts across the country. He established Astoria, Oregon, in 1811 and eventually sold it to the British. He monopolized the fur trade until 1834, when he retired from the fur business. He died in New York in 1848.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Collection includes typescript copies of miscellaneous historical and biographical material, 1811-1932, concerning John Jacob Astor's citizenship, relationship with Aaron Burr, etc., including correspondence of Margaret J. Plunkett and General Cruikshank. Also included are a typescript copy and photostat copy of a letter to William Shaler, 3 pages, dated February 10, 1816.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Preferred Citation
John Jacob Astor collection, Mss 888, Oregon Historical Society.
Restrictions on Use
The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Personal Names
- Astor, John Jacob, 1763-1848
- Astor, John Jacob, 1763-1848--Correspondence
Form or Genre Terms
- correspondence
