Swedes of Texas
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Swedish immigration to Texas began with the arrival of Swen Magnus in 1838. Settling first on the gulf coast, he became a successful businessman. In 1850 he moved to Austin, where he established a ranch in the area he later named Govalle ("Good Grazing Land"). His uncle, Svante Palm, joined him in Austin in 1850 and together they promoted Swedish immigration to Texas. By 1910 some 7,000 Swedes came to Texas and established homes, farms, businesses, and churches. Palm became a community leader and served as Swedish Consul. Many Swedish immigrants settled in eastern Travis and Williamson counties. Although Swedish communities were also established on other areas, including Jackson, Bastrop, Wharton, Karnes, Calhoun, McCulloch, Willacy, Jones, McLennan, Harris, and Galveston Counties. Among the organizations Swedes established were Trinity College in Round Rock, Texas Wesleyan College in Austin, a Mutual Aid Society, and a Swedish language newspaper, "The Texas Posten". Churches begun by the immigrants include those of the Lutheran, Methodist, Evangelical Free, Presbyterian, and Baptist denominations. Traditional Swedish festivals such as St. Lucia and Midsummer are still celebrated in many cities. (1989)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Swedish immigration to Texas began in 1838 with the arrival of Swen Magnus, who settled on the gulf coast before moving to Austin and establishing a ranch he named Govalle, or "good grazing land." With his uncle Svante Palm, he actively promoted Swedish immigration, and by 1910 some 7,000 Swedes had built farms, businesses, and churches, concentrated in eastern Travis and Williamson counties. They founded colleges, a mutual aid society, a Swedish-language newspaper, and carried on festivals like St. Lucia and Midsummer.
Why it matters
The Swedes of Texas show how a small immigrant stream could weave lasting institutions and enduring traditions into the fabric of a new state.
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Related people
- · Swen Magnus
- · Svante Palm
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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Gethsemane was the first Lutheran church in Travis County, organized in 1868 by Swedish immigrants under the leadership of Swante Palm. The congregation raised this 1883 building using stone hauled by wheelbarrow from the Texas Capitol that had burned in 1881, and later fitted it with ornate doors salvaged from the University of Texas's Old Main. Its form echoes the rural churches of the Swedish homeland its founders had left behind.
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