Whereas Astoria is a scenic gem on the coast of Oregon,
and the residents of Astoria have long represented the essence of what it means
to be an Oregonian;
Whereas the site of Astoria, located at the mouth of the
Columbia River where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, marks the
endpoint of the epic Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the American West,
and was founded by fur traders in 1811;
Whereas Thomas Jefferson recognized Astoria as the
Nation’s first significant claim to the West and noted that were it not for the
settlement of Astoria, the United States may have ended at the Rocky
Mountains;
Whereas Astoria evolved from being a fur trading hub to
serving as the ad-hoc capital of Oregon Country, and later became a prominent
leader in the fishing and timber industries and an important port city;
Whereas Astoria was incorporated in 1856, and today is a
center for manufacturing, art, tourism, and fishing;
Whereas settlers from Scandinavia and China were among the
first to come to Astoria, and the presence of their descendants has contributed
to a town rich in both history and culture;
Whereas Astoria is a vibrant tourism destination that has
chronicled its remarkable history with the establishment of superb museums and
well-preserved historical sites;
Whereas citizens of Astoria and visitors from around the
country and the world enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in one of the most
beautiful areas on the West Coast; and
Whereas the natural beauty of the region has been noted by
many artists, filmmakers, and writers, serving as the backdrop for many
stories, including the beloved film The Goonies
: Now, therefore,
be it
That it is the sense of the Senate
that—
(1)Astoria’s
bicentennial should be observed and celebrated;
(2)the people of
Astoria should be thanked for their many pioneering contributions to the State
of Oregon and the United States; and
(3)an enrolled copy
of this resolution should be transmitted to the State of Oregon for appropriate
display.