Flathead County, Montana

Norwegian Community

There were relatively few Norwegians in Flathead County, and most lived in the vicinity of Kalispell.

Churches and Congregations

Two Norwegian congregations were established at Kalispell in 1895. One was founded by Pastor N. J. Berg and belonged to the Norwegian Synod, while the other was established by Pastor J. J. Field and belonged to the Methodist Church. Both congregations built their own churches in 1896. By 1905, there were three Norwegian congregations in the county, two belonging to the United Church and one to the Methodist Church. The two churches built in 1896 were still the only Norwegian church buildings in the county.

Public Office

Hans O. Christensen was the first Norwegian to hold public office in Flathead County. He was elected County Commissioner in 1899.

Sources:

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