Picture this a bustling neighborhood nestled along the East River. This is Astoria in Queens New York.
Astoria a name synonymous with diversity and history. Its story begins not with Astor but with Hallet. William Hallet and his wife Elizabeth Fones settled here in 1652. They called it Hallet’s Cove a quiet peninsula bordered by Hell Gate the East River and Sunswick Creek. Their farm was unfortunately destroyed by Native Americans. They moved to Flushing.
Later in 1814 Fort Stevens a fortification was built to defend Hell Gate against the British during the War of 1812. This fort along with Castle Bogardus an inland defense formed the first permanent structures in Astoria. The fort was abandoned by 1815. A small village grew around it. By 1836 around 20 to 30 houses and an Episcopalian church stood there. They called it Hallet’s Cove.
Then came the Astors John Jacob Astor the wealthiest man in America. He was persuaded to invest in this area. He only invested $500 but his name stuck. The area was renamed Astoria. A bitter battle over the name was won by Astor’s supporters and friends. He never actually visited Astoria though he could see it from his summer home in Manhattan.
The 19th century brought enormous growth. German immigrants many skilled furniture makers arrived. Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg the patriarch of the Steinway family founded Steinway & Sons here in 1853. They built a sawmill a foundry and a streetcar line. Steinway Village a company town was created for workers. They even provided German language instruction in schools. This was partly to keep workers isolated from labor movements in other parts of New York.
Astoria and nearby villages were incorporated into Long Island City in 1870. Long Island City later became part of Greater New York City in 1898. Astoria’s farms were converted into housing. The area became a center of filmmaking. This legacy continues with Kaufman Astoria Studios and the Museum of the Moving Image.
Astoria is known as Actoria because of its many actors. It’s called The People’s Republic of Astoria for its progressive politics. It was the first district in the US to elect Democratic Socialists of America representatives at all levels of government in 2023. They also call it The Big Apple’s Fruit Basket because of its many fruit trees. Especially fig trees.
Astoria remains a vibrant neighborhood. It showcases its rich history and its diverse cultural heritage. It continues to draw people from around the world. It offers a unique blend of old and new. Come experience the magic of Astoria.