Explorers, Pioneers, and Frontiersmen
John Jacob Astor
1763-1848
John Astor was born in Waldorf, Germany. At age 20 he came to the United States, first to Baltimore and later to New York City. Having few resources, he worked in a variety of jobs — as a bakery assistant, a peddler and manager of a music store. In 1787, Astor entered the fur trade and in a few years became one of the wealthiest men in America. He simplified his business by dealing directly with Native American trappers and established two successful companies, the American Fur Company (1808) and the Pacific Fur Company (1810). His dream was to establish a single trading company with headquarters at the mouth of the Columbia River, and serve the entire American West. Toward that end, in 1811 he erected a trading station at the site of present-day Astoria, Oregon. When the British blockaded the post during the War of 1812, Astor sold out to them. The fort became the property of the U.S. government at the war's conclusion. Following the war, Astor invested in a small fleet of ships to carry his furs to Europe and the Far East, particularly China. This international trade was immensely profitable, allowing Astor to invest heavily in farmland on Manhattan Island. Those parcels quickly became midtown properties, further enriching Astor. In 1834, he sold his fur businesses and retired to manage his considerable assets.
Off-site search results for "John Jacob Astor"... John Jacob Astor
When he died in 1848, John Jacob Astor left over $20 million to his children. Available from Amazon Books (order below) Enter keywords... NGfL, Standards Site, BBC, PBS Online, Virtual School, EU History, Virtual Library, ExciteJohn Jacob Astor left over $20 million to his children. Available from Amazon Books (order below) Enter keywords... NGfL, Standards Site, BBC, PBS Online, Virtual School, EU History, Virtual Library, Excite, Alta Vista ...
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAastorJJ.htm
John Jacob Astor
John Jacob Astor John Jacob Astor was not born a wealthy fur trader. Instead, he was born in Baden, Germany in 1763, the third son of a butcher. One brother, Henry, left for New York, while another, George, travelled to LondoJohn Jacob Astor John Jacob Astor was not born a wealthy fur trader. Instead, he was born in Baden, Germany in 1763, the third son of a butcher. One brother, Henry, left for New York, while another, George, travelled to LondoJohn Jacob Astor was not born a wealthy fur trader. Instead, he was born in Baden, Germany in 1763, the third son of a butcher. One brother, Henry, left for New York, while another, George, travelled to London to open up ...
http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/st/~kalenius/john.htm
John Jacob Astor and his American Fur Co
... 2 Next » John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) : the richest man in America … John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) emigrated from his hometown Waldorf in Germany, when he was 18 years old and first joined his older brother George Peter AsJohn Jacob Astor (1763-1848) : the richest man in America … John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) emigrated from his hometown Waldorf in Germany, when he was 18 years old and first joined his older brother George Peter AsJohn Jacob Astor (1763-1848) emigrated from his hometown Waldorf in Germany, when he was 18 years old and first joined his older brother George Peter Astor, who was ...
http://www.raken.com/american_wealth/realtors/John_Jacob_Astor1.asp
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