Captain James Cook.

    The earliest Pacific voyages did more than just inform the east coast of America about what lay to their far west. Many of these expeditions were aimed at the much larger picture: international trade as a result of exploration. Thus, the early Pacific coastal explorers "passed down" to men, such as John Jacob Astor, their knowledge and advice concerning the Pacific coast. A handful of both American and Canadian captains and sailors had a significant impact on Astor's thinking, and thus, the establishment of Fort Astoria.

    One of the earliest explorers to the region was Britain's famous Captain James Cook. In search for the ever ominous "Northwest Passage" (an all water route connecting east and west), Cook explored the Pacific Northwest coastline in the late 1770s. In what today is the west coast of Canada, Cook discovered a "river" which he believed could be the result of the northwest passage. However, in 1794, British captain George Vancouver explored the "river" in more detail and found it to be only an inlet, naming it "Cook's Inlet". Cook and Vancouver are then significant because they began not only exploring the coast, but also looking for ways in which it could benefit their nation's trading. An east - west linkup would surely aid the rapidly expanding fur trading business of Canada.

    In 1784 the Americans made a significant step in the development of the Pacific coast as a valuable resource. Robert Morris sent his ship, the Emperess of China, across the seas and began trade with the East directly from the Americas. This began a major trading trend. Joseph Barrel expanded this idea in 1787 when he developed a three way system between the natives of the Pacific coast, China, and the United State's east coast. Supplies and goods would be traded to the northwest Indians in turn for furs. These furs would then be shiped to Canton, China, were they would fetch a high price. In exchange for the furs, the ship would return with textiles, porcelain, and tea from the East. Barrel's Lady Washington was the first ship sent on this mission. However, trade with the Indians become more and more rare as violence became too commonplace on the coast.

Map of the Mouth of the Columbia River.

    Finally, perhaps the most significant voyage in terms of Astoria's establishment was the 1792 voyage of Robert Gray's Columbia. Apart from sailing up the Columbia, spotting Mt. Hood, and generally exploring the region's waterways, three members of the crew, upon their return, made strikingly similar "prophesies" pertaining to the land around the mouth of the Columbia River. These "plans" (more like dreams) were the first specific mentionings of what would become Astoria. John Boit imagined a fur factory at the mouth of the Columbia. John Kendrick saw the location as the perfect strategic position for a regional fort. Robert Haswell viewed the Columbia as an excellent river for navigation and trade. It should be explored further to the east, he proposed.

Mt. Hood from the Columbia plateau.

    As a result of these voyages, the Columbia River region gained recognition as a place where, at least according to those who had been there, an important location rested. The area was potentially profitable for trade. It had strategic fort locations. There were numerous trading opportunities with the Indians who resided in an area abounding in natural resources. These early coastal explorers would then contribute to a more intense exploration taking place: Overland expeditons by Canadian fur traders and the American government.
 

Pictures: Ronda, page 5. Ronda. Photograph: Will Kalenius

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