Site of Old Normandy
Brownsboro, Henderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
First Norwegian colony in Texas. Founded in 1845 by Johan Reinert Reierson (1810-1864) and Ole Reierson, of Holt, Norway. In "Christianssandsposten," J.R. Reierson urged Norwegians to find "a rich life" by migrating to Texas. His associate editor, Elise Tvede (1815-1895), also came to Texas and continued writing for publications in Norway. She married Wilhelm Warenskjold, lived in this area, and opened home to Norwegian newcomers.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1845, editor Johan Reinert Reierson and his brother Ole founded the first Norwegian colony in Texas here, inspired by Reierson's newspaper articles urging his countrymen to seek 'a rich life' across the Atlantic. His associate editor Elise Tvede also emigrated, continuing to write for Norwegian publications and, as Elise Warenskjold, opening her home to newcomers. Their settlement helped spark Norwegian immigration to Texas at the very dawn of American statehood.
Why it matters
Old Normandy marks a founding moment of Norwegian-American settlement, showing how the printed word and immigrant idealism drew Scandinavians to the Texas frontier and enriched the nation's immigrant story.
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Related people
- · Johan Reinert Reierson
- · Elise Tvede Warenskjold
- · Ole Reierson
Themes & tags
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