Adventures of the First Settlers on the Oregon or Columbia River, 1810-1813

Since I live in Washington, I was interested in learning what the country and its first inhabitants were like in the early 1800's. This was quite the eye opener! Sailing with the ship and exploring the many stops with the crew was most enlightening. Then there was the group that went overland. So many adventures. The book was very well written, the author using words and phrasing that was common at the time, but obsolete now. Still, it was obvious that he was very well educated. A good read for anyone wanting a view into the Washington territory along the Columbia shortly following the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Well written of life in the early west. Good insite of the Indian life.

This is an excellent story about events on the West coast of the USA just prior to and during the war of 1812. The detailed descriptions of the hard life these settlers & trappers had and their relationships with the local Aboriginal peoples are very interesting and insightful. It is hard to imagine someone from today's easy life going back in time to that era and surviving more than a couple months, much less endure the hardships experienced by all those described herein. I especially enjoyed the last couple chapters describing the life and culture of the various tribes and the lessons learned by the first settlers.

The narration is somewhat stilted, and flamboyant in places because of the time period in which it was written. But the text is full of facts and descriptions of what is was like during this period of time. Fascinating, informative and an important piece of the early history of America.

Interesting story. These guys were tough. Incredible privations they went through only not to be successful in the long run.

This is a fascinating narrative of early American exploration to the mouth of the Columbia River in what is now Oregon. John Jacob Astor sent a group of men to this part of the new United States in 1810 to start a fur-trading enterprise. The author, Alexander Ross, was part of the crew who braved the elements and the Native Americans to extend Astor’s business empire. I recently read Peter Stark’s book “Astoria: Astor and Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire: A Tale of Ambition and Survival on the Early American Frontier.” It was an excellent account of the trips and the outcome, but Ross’s “Adventures” is a first-hand account of these actions. I was delighted that it was so easy to read, even after 167 years. He describes the landscapes, the tribes, the good and bad choices that were made by the leaders, and even injects some humor into the story. One consideration that I especially enjoyed was the interaction between the explorers and the natives of disparate tribes along the Columbia. Some were welcoming and helpful and some were not. The hardships these men had to endure were horrifying, which gives the reader some idea of what people did to carry out manifest destiny. This is in no way an homage to Astor, either, as Ross wrote about the poor judgement and lack of empathy of the New York merchant while planning the venture and especially while choosing his leaders. Highly recommended, especially as an adjunct to the Stark book, for those interested in western exploration and early America.

Snippets of interest in the adventures of the fur trappers but often tedious to read

The author is most attentive, vividly descriptive in detail, and erudite in presentation. Beyond a mere word merchant, he seemed discerning and helpful to anyone seeking to understand multiple cultures present on that frontier. I would have leaned toward five stars had there be less detail invested in the Pacific Ocean travels preceding his arrival on the Columbia.

A fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of fur traders in the early 19th century written in the delightful prose of the time.

I always love to read this type of books and this book is well-written. I like it.

Comprehensive and thorough in coverage of the subject. Whetted the appetite for more on this topic. Would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the native Americans

Some very interesting stories and long stretches of boring ones. Good for history buffs. Undrstandable considering when it was written.

White