Astoria.

"Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival," by Peter Stark, is a captivating narrative that intricately details the ambitious endeavor of John Jacob Astor and the commissioned exploration by Thomas Jefferson to establish the first American settlement in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Oregon. This meticulously researched book not only explores the immense wealth and ambition that drove this enterprise but also delves into the harrowing survival stories of those who embarked on this perilous journey in the early 19th century. Stark's vivid storytelling not only resurrects this nearly forgotten chapter of American expansionism but also underscores Oregon's pivotal role in the nation's early attempts at establishing a global trade empire. Through Stark's work, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, sacrifices, and ultimately, the legacy of Astoria as a symbol of ambition and survival in American history.