John Jacob Astor collection

Collection

Identifier: Mss 888

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

1811-1932

Creator

Astor, John Jacob, 1763-1848 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing 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.

Biographical note

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.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (2 folders in shared box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection consists of typescript copies of miscellaneous historical and biographical material by and about John Jacob Astor, primarily correspondence.