Photograph
Jefferson Prairie Marker
| The Jefferson Prairie Marker, a monument marking the settlement of Jefferson Prairie in 1838. A young girl is standing on the right. The text on the marker reads: Ole Knutson Nattestad, first Norwegian settler in Wisconsin, came to Clinton Township, July 1, 1838. |
| Image ID: | 35202 |
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| Creation Date: | circa 1952 |
| Creator Name: | Unknown |
| City: | Jefferson |
| County: | Jefferson |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| Collection Name: | Wisconsin place file, circa 1850s-circa 1950s |
| Genre: | Photograph |
| Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
| Original Format Number: | PF Jefferson Prairie.1 |
| Original Dimensions: | 3.5 x 4.5 inches |
| In his native Numedal, Nattestad had been a farmer, peddler, and blacksmith. In 1836 he and his brother, Ansten, visited Stavanger and there heard for the first time about America. Early the next year they secured passage to Massashusettes and a few months later had worked their way to Chicago. In the spring of 1838 Ansten returned to Norway while Ole "explored" northward, eventually reaching Clinton Township. Ansten organized more than a hundred emigrants and led them to Wisconsin the following year. Some joined Ole Nattestad on Jefferson Prairie; others went west to Rock Prairie (Luther Valley). Although the groups organized different church congregations and were separated by settlers of different nationalities, they are usually regarded jointly as the first Norwegian settlement in Wisconsin and the fourth in America. |
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| This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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