Ethnic Texans

Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series

Most immigrants coming from Sweden to Texas arrived in a 60-year period, from 1848 to about 1910. The first group of Swedes was recruited by Swen Magnus Swenson, who had come to Texas in 1838 and profited from a plantation in Ft. Bend County. Friend to Sam Houston, Swenson was convinced to help bring Swedish families to Texas.

An initial group of 25 came in 1848. Soon, Swenson's uncle, Swante Palm, had arrived, and the two became successful business partners. They operated an informal immigration company which paid travel expenses on credit or in return for indentured labor.

Other individuals and families from Sweden and the north-central United States heard about Texas possibilities and came. By the turn of the century, more than 4,000 Swedes were in the state.

 

 

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