Carlton County, Minnesota

Norwegian Settlement near Wrenshall and Cloquet

The first Norwegian known to have settled in the vicinity of Wrenshall was Anton Dahl from Gudbrandsdalen, who arrived in 1895. A small Norwegian settlement later developed there. A number of Norwegians also lived at Cloquet. Ole Brune from Volda, Sunnmøre, was among the first Norwegian settlers in the area.

Pioneer Life in the Forests

One Norwegian logger recalled traveling through the forests of northern Minnesota before white settlement had become established. He described the experience as harsh and dangerous, with wolves and Indians among the hazards of life in the wilderness. He also reflected on the many emigrants who disappeared without leaving a clear record of what had happened to them. In his view, some had probably died alone in the forests, without graves, monuments, or recognition, even though men of this kind had helped open the way for later settlement.

Churches and Congregations

By 1905, Carlton County had five Norwegian congregations and two churches. Three congregations belonged to the Norwegian Synod, while two belonged to the Lutheran Free Church.

Norwegian Place Names

Norman Post Office had probably received its name from Norwegian settlers.

Sources:

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