Clallam County, Washington

Norwegian Settlement

The Norwegian settlement in the vicinity of the Swan, Royal, and Ozette post offices was established during the 1890s. Severin O. Jerstad, who had traveled to Alaska and later lived in Clallam County, described the difficult conditions faced by the first Norwegian settlers. They entered a dense primeval forest far from both steamship landings and railroads, and supplies often had to be carried on their backs for distances of ten to twenty-five miles. Such journeys could take several days, and the settlers frequently had to sleep outdoors at night, often after becoming soaked by the weather.

Churches and Congregations

By 1905, Clallam County had three Norwegian congregations, all belonging to the United Church.

Public Office

Hans J. Bugge of Port Williams was the first Norwegian to hold public office in the county. He was elected County Commissioner in 1904.

Sources:

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