How Did a Treaty Signed in Belgium Shape the Future of Astoria, Oregon?
Imagine this: It’s the early 1800s. The Pacific Northwest is a wild, rugged land of tall trees, rich rivers, and endless opportunity. In 1811, a bold group of American entrepreneurs established Astoria, a fur-trading outpost perched at the mouth of the Columbia River—making it the first U.S. settlement on the West Coast.
But only a year later, war breaks out. Not in Oregon—but across the continent. The War of 1812 pits the United States against Great Britain once again. And while cannons roar thousands of miles away, tiny Astoria is left exposed.
Fearing a British naval attack, the American partners in the fort decide to sell it to the British-owned North West Company in 1813. Just like that, Astoria becomes Fort George—a British outpost flying a new flag.
But peace was on the horizon.
On Christmas Eve, 1814, in the quiet town of Ghent, Belgium, diplomats from both nations signed the Treaty of Ghent, officially ending the war. The treaty promised that all conquered land would be returned to its original owners.
And that included our little post on the Columbia River.
It wasn’t instant—travel and diplomacy were slow—but by 1818, Astoria was officially returned to the United States. It stood as a symbol of American perseverance and our growing footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
🌲Fun Fact for Travelers:
The town of Astoria was named after John Jacob Astor, a wealthy New York fur trader who funded the Pacific Fur Company.
But here’s the twist — he never set foot in Astoria.
He made history from afar, proving you didn’t need to paddle the Columbia to leave your mark on it.
🚐 Want to Stand Where History Happened?
Onward Adventures takes you beyond the pages of history books.
Hop on a fun, small-group tour and walk in the footsteps of fur traders, explorers, and visionaries.
📍 Astoria. Warrenton. Gearhart. Seaside. Cannon Beach.
Let’s tour your curiosity.
👉 Schedule your tour today!