Connecticut State

Early Norwegian Presence

The identity of the first Norwegians to settle in Connecticut is not known, as no distinct Norwegian settlement developed in the state. It was nevertheless clear that Norwegians had arrived relatively early. Connecticut lay on the Atlantic coast between Massachusetts and New York, areas where early Norwegian immigrants had landed and where Norwegian seamen had long been frequent visitors. The source therefore assumed that the earliest Norwegian settlers in Connecticut were probably seamen.

New Haven and Bridgeport

In New Haven, there was a Scandinavian congregation that included a number of Norwegians. It was served by Pastor Ludvig Johnson, a Norwegian minister belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church.

A similar Scandinavian congregation existed in Bridgeport, although this congregation belonged to the Baptist Church.

Danbury

The first permanent Norwegian settler known in Fairfield County was John Anderson, a tailor, who settled in Danbury.

New Milford and Gaylordsville

The first permanent Norwegian settlers known in Litchfield County were the brothers Severin and Gabriel Tønnesen from Lyngdal, who were also known as Sam and Gilbert Thompson. Severin lived in New Milford, while Gabriel settled in Gaylordsville.

A few other Norwegians also lived in the area, supporting themselves mainly through farming.

Sources:

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