Swedes of Texas

Swedish immigration to Texas began with the arrival of Swen Magnus Swenson 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 in other areas, including Jackson, Bastrop, 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.