Astor, John Jacob

Person

Dates

Existence: 1763 - 1848

Biography

Merchant, fur trader, capitalist. Born in Waldorf in Germany. Came to United States in 1784, settling in New York. Engaged in fur trading and China trade. Organized American Fur Company in 1808 and Pacific Fur Company in 1810. Established Astoria on the northwest coast in 1811. Gradually built up extensive holdings in New York real estate. From 1834 until his death in 1848 Astor was interested exclusively in investments and lending money on real estate security. See sketch in Dictionary of American Biography.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

John Jacob Astor business records

FOUND IN: Baker Library Special Collections and Archives, Harvard Business School

Collection Identifier: Mss:766 1784-1892

Overview:

Correspondence, account books and other records documenting the business activities of merchant, fur trader, and investor John Jacob Astor (1763-1848).