Norwegians in Minnesota - (People of Minnesota) by Jon Gjerde & Carleton C Qualey (Paperback)

About the Book

The images of the Vikings professional football team, the stereotype of the Norwegian bachelor farmer, and even Minnesotan's speech patterns proclaim the Norwegian heritage of Minnesota. But the Norwegian settlers have contributed much more to the state.

Book Synopsis

The images of the Vikings professional football team, the stereotype of the "Norwegian bachelor farmer," and even Minnesotans' speech patterns proclaim the state's Norwegian heritage. But Norwegian settlers have contributed much more to Minnesota, as authors Jon Gjerde and Carlton C. Qualey make clear. Norwegians, who first arrived in territorial days, created lasting farming settlements, especially in the Red River Valley. Their Lutheran churches continue to dot the landscape. But their experience was also urban, as they entered the trades and industries of the Twin Cities. Today, Norwegian influence helps define Minnesota's unique social, political, and business environment.

Review Quotes

"This work is a superb introduction to the story of Norwegians in Minnesota. Jon Gjerde's writing is accurate, engaging, and up to date, and an array of illustrations offers an intimate welcome to the life of the group. This book belongs in the hands of anyone with an interest in Norwegian American life."

--Todd W. Nichol, Norwegian-American Historical Association