Brownsboro in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Old Normandy
(One-Half Mile Southeast)
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.
By 1853 a Norwegian-Lutheran church and cemetery had been established here. Normandy was later renamed Brownsboro.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 10368.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location. 32° 18.148′ N, 95° 36.799′ W. Marker is in Brownsboro, Texas, in Henderson County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 31 and Stuart Street, on the left when traveling west on State Highway 31. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brownsboro TX 75756, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Brownsboro Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Rock Hill Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); Site of C.W. Morris Cotton Gin (approx. 4.9 miles away); Adren Anglin (approx. 5.4 miles away); Asbury Cemetery (approx. 5.4 miles away); The Antioch Rosenwald School (approx. 5.6 miles away); John Crane (approx. 7.3 miles away); Yarborough House (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsboro.
More about this marker. This marker is located right next to an additional marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 7, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. 2. submitted on November 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.