15 min
Overview
The concentration of 19th century and early 20th century homes in these few blocks of the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains is unique in Oregon, particularly since these slopes somehow escaped devastating fires in 1883 and 1922 that gutted the nearby downtown area. You'll also visit the site of Fort Astoria, the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, as well as a small monument to the first post office west of the Rockies. A Walking Tour of Astoria pamphlet can be purchased at a few different places in Astoria, including the gift shops at the Astoria Column and the historic Flavel House. Begin at the Flavel House, actually at its 1887 carriage house, which is now a gift shop and mini-museum. Tours of the 1886 Flavel House depart from here and cost $5. The tour will take you to two levels of this historic Queen Anne-style house that was commissioned by Captain George Flavel, a prominent Astoria citizen and pilot on the Columbia River Bar. Even if you don't take the guided tour, stroll around the outside of the building to admire the octagonal tower, wrap-around porch, and bay windows. The garden features a large sequoia, cork elms, and plantings of roses. From the Flavel House, head up 8th Street one block, passing two 19th century homes once owned by sawmill operator Conrad Boelling, and then turn left onto Franklin Avenue. You'll pass various old homes on the left and right before you come to the 1916 Methodist Church. When you reach 11th Street, go right for one block. Two of the homes on this block of 11th Street were built by D.K. Warren, the founder of Warrenton. Turn left onto Grand and view the 1903 First Presbyterian Church on your right. At 1133 Grand and 1167 Grand, you'll see the homes of Captain John Babbidge, a steamboat operator, and the Rev. Thomas Hyland, first priest of the Grace Episcopal Church. Next, make a left on 12th, and at the corner of 12th and Franklin, you can note the elaborate spindlework on the 1895 home of Nellie (Fisher) Wilson, later occ
Trail Stats
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Photos
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