A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States / From the Earliest Beginning down to the Year 1848

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

46681

Title

A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States / From the Earliest Beginning down to the Year 1848

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George T. Flom chronicles Norwegian emigration to the U.S. from 1620 to 1848, focusing on settlement growth in Wisconsin and Illinois. This historical account details economic drivers, the influence of pioneer letters, and the establishment of key communities.

Summary up to 500 words

George T. Flom's *A History of Norwegian Immigration to the United States* chronicles the migration of Norwegians from their earliest beginnings through 1848, focusing on the initial period of settlement before the broader Scandinavian expansion. Flom argues that while economic hardship and religious factors contributed to emigration, the primary catalyst was the "America-letter." Successful pioneers like Ole Trovatten and Gjert Hovland sent glowing accounts of American opportunities, often including prepaid passage tickets, which convinced relatives to follow. These letters were read widely, with many travelers journeying specifically to hear the latest reports. The book documents the progression of settlements from New York to the Midwest, highlighting specific colonies in Fox River, Rock Prairie, Koshkonong, and Chicago. Flom profiles key founders such as Ansten Nattestad, who returned to Norway in 1839 to lead a large party to Wisconsin, establishing the Jefferson Prairie Settlement. The text provides detailed lists of immigrants by year and district, analyzes voyage costs and durations, and notes that by 1848, significant communities were established in the Midwest. Flom acknowledges the difficulty of gathering accurate data from pioneers but aims for historical reliability, noting that this volume covers the initial period before later expansion. The work emphasizes the heroic womanhood of pioneer mothers and the role of successful Scandinavians who returned home to promote emigration. By 1848, the movement had established a substantial Norwegian presence in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, laying the groundwork for the millions of Norwegians who would later inhabit the United States.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History