Early Norwegian Settlement
It is not known who the first Norwegian settlers in Wadena County were. It is, however, certain that the oldest Norwegian settlement was in the vicinity of the city of Wadena. Peter Thurstensen from Namsos was the first Norwegian settler at Aldrich. He settled there in 1887.
Churches and Congregations
The Wadena Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was the oldest Norwegian congregation in the county. It was established in 1878 by Pastor K. Bjørgo of the Norwegian Synod. Its church was built in 1883. By 1907, Wadena County had eight Norwegian congregations and four churches. Four congregations belonged to the Lutheran Free Church, two to the Norwegian Synod, and two to the United Church.
Sources:
[Ulvestad, Martin. Nordmændene i Amerika. Utg. History Book Company's Forlag. Minneapolis, Minn. 1907.]
Places Mentioned in the Register
2 people recorded from this county. See all persons →
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