The Dream of America
Between 1836 and 1915, over 750,000 Norwegians emigrated to America, giving Norway the highest emigration rate among the Nordic countries relative to its population. The first recorded journey was made by the pinnace Restauration from Stavanger to New York in 1825, led by Cleng Peerson. This voyage marked the beginning of Norwegian emigration to North America, and the arrival on 9 October is celebrated as Leiv Eiriksson Day in the United States. To commemorate this year's anniversary, both the Christian Radich and a replica of Restauration will sail to New York.
Emigration to America began in rural areas, particularly in the fjord villages of Western Norway and the mountain villages of Eastern Norway. Over time, emigration expanded from predominantly rural farmers to include urban dwellers. The early decades were characterised by family emigration, with husbands often travelling ahead to establish a living before their families made the journey. Between 1820 and 1920, around 800,000 Norwegians emigrated to the United States and Canada. In some municipalities, as much as 40% of the population left.
The reasons for emigration in Norway were numerous and complex, including poverty, oppression, class division, overpopulation, and economic regulations. A spirit of adventure and rumours of cheap farmland in America also played a role. The modernisation of agriculture both influenced and was influenced by emigration. Many were drawn to America by the promise of civil rights, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and political participation.
Most Norwegians settled in the central states of the Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. However, states such as New York, Washington, and California also saw increasing Norwegian settlement. Emigrants maintained contact with family back home through so-called “America letters” or “Norway letters”. These letters brought knowledge of a foreign land to even the most remote corners of Norway.
