Astoria

/æˈstɔːriə/ noun

Definition

A neighborhood in Queens, New York, or a city in Oregon, both named after John Jacob Astor, America's first multi-millionaire.

Etymology

Named after John Jacob Astor (1763-1848), a German-American businessman and investor. The name combines 'Astor' with the suffix '-ia,' commonly used for place names, meaning 'place of' or 'land of.'

Kelly Says

Astoria, Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the world, with residents speaking over 100 different languages. The area was originally called 'Hallets Cove' after William Hallet, who bought the land from the Dutch in 1664 for the equivalent of about $625 today.

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