Elise Waerenskjold
Hamilton, Hamilton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1815 - 1895) Gifted pioneer whose 1846-1895 writings brought many settlers to Texas from her native Norway. Countrymen also found her home open to newcomers. She is now called "Lady with the Pen". She and her husband had 3 sons, many descendants.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Elise Waerenskjold left Norway for Texas and spent half a century writing home about the opportunities of her adopted land. Her letters and articles drew waves of Norwegian settlers, and her home stood open to the newcomers she inspired. Known as the Lady with the Pen, she and her husband raised three sons and left many descendants.
Why it matters
She shows how a single determined immigrant writer could channel a stream of European settlement into the American West.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Elise Waerenskjold
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Born Elise Tvede in Norway in 1815, Waerenskjold became an influential promoter of Norwegian emigration to Texas. After John Reiersen founded the first Norwegian settlement in the state, she edited his periodical on Norway and Texas, and her articles inspired many to follow. She moved to Texas herself in 1847, settling in Van Zandt and Hamilton counties, where she and her husband welcomed newcomers and preserved their people's history.
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