Aitkin County, Minnesota

Norwegian Settlement near Dorris and Opstead

A small Norwegian settlement developed around Dorris during the 1890s. The first Norwegian known to have settled there was Edward Carlsen from Smaalenene (Østfold). Farther south, in the direction of Opstead, Reier Bakke and George Arnesen settled with their families at about the same time.

Churches and Congregations

The first Norwegian congregation in Aitkin County was Cedar Lake Congregation at Dorris, established in 1896 by Pastor Ole Dahle of the Lutheran Free Church. Its church was built in 1900. By 1905, the county had three Norwegian congregations and two churches. Two congregations belonged to the Lutheran Free Church, while one belonged to the Norwegian Synod.

Public Office

The first Norwegian known to have held public office in Aitkin County was Ole R. Mousten from Sogn. He was elected Sheriff in 1892 and later, in 1898, was elected to the Minnesota State Legislature.

Norwegian Place Names

A post office named Tronnes once existed in Aitkin County. By 1905, the post offices Erick and Jacobson were also in use, were probably of Norwegian origin. 

The Swedish population of Aitkin County was larger than the Norwegian population.

Sources:

[Ulvestad, Martin. Nordmændene i Amerika. Utg. History Book Company's Forlag. Minneapolis, Minn. 1907.]