Cook County, Minnesota

Early Norwegian Settlement

The first Norwegians known to have settled in Cook County were H. E. and J. E. Redmayer (Rømyr) from Tromsø, who arrived in 1882. The settlement was initially called Redmayer, but after the founders moved to New Hall, Washington, the name was changed to Schroder.

They were followed by H. O. Engelsen and John, Andrew, Johannes, Eddie, Hans, Helge, Martin, and Nils Tofte, together with Andy Sho, Nels Eide, Sivert Eide, and Thomas Lande, all from Halsnøy, Sunnhordland; Berge Bertwet from Stord; and Ole Narvik from Skudenes. They settled at a place they named Tofte. Logging and fishing became the principal sources of income for the Norwegian settlers. Two Harbors, sixty-four miles away, was initially their nearest market, and dogs were used as draft animals.

Norwegian Settlement near Grand Marais

The first Norwegians in the vicinity of Grand Marais were Peder Rindal from Rindal and Hans Gulbrandsen from Ringerike, who settled there in 1891. At the time, Indians were the only nearby inhabitants. Rindal later recalled that the hardships faced by the first settlers were difficult to describe. With no other white settlers nearby, they had to endure the isolation and difficulties typical of pioneer life, but they remained and eventually saw conditions improve.

Churches and Congregations

By 1905, Cook County had three Norwegian congregations and one church. Two congregations belonged to Hauge’s Synod, while one belonged to the Methodist Church.

Norwegian Place Names

Norwegian place names in the county included Hovland, Tofte, and Redmayer (Rømyren).

Sources:

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