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Statistics you didn’t ask for

Sweden is a haven for anglers, with over 1.4 million Swedes engaging in recreational fishing annually. Popular catches include perch, pike, and zander in freshwater, while cod and mackerel dominate coastal waters. Recreational fishing is a significant cultural activity, with the average angler spending 9 days fishing per year. Its popularity is driven by Sweden's vast lakes and coastline, alongside easy accessibility. The practice also generates substantial economic activity, with Swedes spending billions on fishing equipment and trips annually.

In other news

⛴ Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has requested that the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3, currently stationed in Danish waters near recent undersea cable breaks, move into Swedish waters to facilitate cooperation on the incidents. While investigations into potential sabotage — which we featured in last week’s newsletter — are ongoing, the request does not imply accusations, and diplomatic discussions are underway involving multiple nations to address the cable damage.

⛰ Not Swedish news, but Scandinavian: In a Norwegian forest, archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the largest rock carving found in the last 125 years. The artwork, depicting a range of motifs including human figures and ships, is considered a significant historical and cultural find. For further details, and to see the carving in question, you can check out the full article here.

🌕 Today, the polar night has begun at Treriksröset, Sweden's northernmost point, with the sun setting on November 29 and not rising again until January 12, 2025. Despite the darkness, which can affect mood and sleep, locals often find peace in the quiet and starry skies, says meteorologist Lasse Rydqvist. Read more here.

Northvolt Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Legacy Lanterns – shedding light on the stories of the past

Swedish Colonies in America: The New Sweden Experiment

As we look back on the history of Swedish migration to America, one of the most important chapters is the establishment of the Swedish colony of New Sweden in the 17th century. This early settlement marked Sweden’s first significant attempt to claim land in the New World, a story that had both successes and setbacks but left a lasting legacy on American history. In this article, we will delve into the establishment of New Sweden, its brief yet impactful existence, and its ultimate fate.

The Birth of New Sweden (1638)

In 1638, a group of Swedish settlers, under the leadership of Peter Minuit (the same man who had founded New Amsterdam for the Dutch), arrived on the banks of the Delaware River, which is now in the U.S. states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They had come to establish a colony, which they named New Sweden. The Swedish colonization was spurred by the ambition of the Swedish South Company, a trading company that sought to expand Sweden's commercial interests, particularly in the lucrative fur trade.

New Sweden was strategically located in a fertile area, at the time part of the Dutch-controlled New Netherland territory (now New York and New Jersey). The land was attractive due to its rich resources, especially timber and fur, which were highly valued in Europe. The settlers, led by Minuit, initially set up their first settlement at Fort Christina (modern-day Wilmington, Delaware), which became the colony’s capital. The Swedish colonists, who primarily came from Sweden, were farmers, artisans, and traders who sought to create a prosperous and sustainable community. 

Sidenote, did you know that…

The Bronx in New York is named after a Swedish immigrant? In 1639, Jonas Bronck, a Swedish settler, built a farm in the area that was later called "Bronk's Land," which eventually shortened to Bronx. This is just one example of many American place names with roots in Swedish immigration. To learn more about this and other locations named after Swedish settlers, check out next week's newsletter!

Growth and Prosperity

For the first few years, the colony saw a fair amount of success. Swedish settlers established a thriving agricultural community, cultivating crops like wheat, corn, and tobacco. They also began trading furs with Native American tribes in the region, such as the Lenape, who lived in what is now New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This trade became one of the primary economic activities of the colony. The Swedish colonists quickly built a reputation for their hard work and strong agricultural practices, and their settlements spread along the Delaware River, in what is now Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

One of the notable achievements of the colony was the construction of the first Swedish church in America, the Holy Trinity Church in 1698, located in Wilmington, Delaware. The church became a center of Swedish culture and religion for both settlers and their descendants.

Tensions with the Dutch and English

However, the Swedish colony’s success was not to last. The Dutch, who had already established the colony of New Netherland (modern-day New York) to the north, began to view the Swedish presence as a threat. They were concerned that the Swedes would challenge their control over the fur trade and the surrounding lands.

In 1655, the Dutch under Peter Stuyvesant launched a military campaign to take over New Sweden. Despite the Swedes’ efforts to defend their colony, they were unable to withstand the Dutch attack. Fort Christina was surrendered without significant resistance, and the Swedish colony came under Dutch control. Though the Swedish settlers were allowed to stay, their political and economic autonomy was severely diminished.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Although the Dutch took control of New Sweden, the Swedish presence did not disappear immediately. Many Swedish settlers remained in the area and continued to influence the development of the region. The Dutch allowed the Swedes to practice their Lutheran faith and maintain their cultural practices, but politically, the colony was absorbed into New Netherland (now New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut).

After the English seized control of New Netherland in 1664, the Swedish influence continued to persist in the region, especially in what is now Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Swedish families continued to farm the land and contribute to the economy, and their culture remained a key part of the area’s identity. 

While New Sweden was short-lived, its legacy remained. The Swedish settlers had a lasting impact on the development of the Delaware Valley (now Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey), particularly in terms of agriculture, trade, and religious life. Additionally, the Swedish contributions to American society laid the foundation for future Swedish immigration waves in the 19th century, which would lead to the establishment of large Swedish communities in the Midwest.

Do you have a story from the past that could be worth sharing? I bet you do! Or would you like to see something else in the newsletter and have suggestions for topics? If so, lease reach out!