FIRST - Astoria, the OLDEST U.S. Settlement West of the Rocky Mountains, Oregon - First of its Kind on Waymarking.com

Founded in 1811, Astoria, Oregon is the OLDEST U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It was first visited by Captain Robert Gray in 1792. In the late 1800's, Astoria was considered the liveliest boon town between Seattle and San Francisco. Immigrants came from Scandinavia, Finland and China expanding the areas culture and economy.

The coordinates are the top Coxcomb Hill, the location of the FIRST permanent American Settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

On June 16, 17 & 18, the Astoria, Oregon's Scandinavian Midsummer Festival 2006 was held at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. Local Icelanders, Finns, Danes, Norwegians and Swedes joined together to celebrate their heritage. The festival featured authentic Scandinavian musicians, a smorgasbord of old world delicacies, ethnic entertainment, dancing, crafts and a parade. Christopher Wilson, 37, was the piano accompanist for the Saturday evening, June 17, Grand Concert performance in the Exhibition Hall featuring Seattle and Portland chorus.

Instructions for logging waymark: visit the top of Coxcomb Hill. Log your impressions. A photograph is required of the bottom level of the Astoria Column: "Coming of the white settler and the railroad" with yourself and/or your GPSr in the picture.

As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.