Carver County, Minnesota

Early Norwegian Settlement

Axel Jørgensen from Fredrikshald (Halden), described as an adventurous man, settled as early as 1852 at the place where Carver City later developed. He remained there only a few years before moving away. In 1855, a small group of Norwegians settled near the same place. They included Paul Olsen Voldberg with his wife and children, among them Ole Paulson, who later became a pastor; Ole Hendricksen from Grue, Solør; and Østen Gunnøvsen with his son from Tinn, Telemark. Some settlers may have come from Land Parish.

The Norwegian presence did not become permanent. Most of these settlers soon moved away, and the area was subsequently settled mainly by Swedes. By 1905, no distinct Norwegian settlement remained in Carver County.

Sources:

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