Near Clinton in Rock County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Jefferson Prairie Settlement

Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009

1. Jefferson Prairie Settlement Marker

Inscription.
Ole Knutson Nattestad, first Norwegian settler in Wisconsin, came to Clinton Township, July 1, 1838. In his native Numedal, Nattestad had been a farmer, peddler, and blacksmith. In 1836 he and his brother Ansten visited Stavanger and there heard for the first time about America. Early the next year they secured passage to Massachusetts and a few months later had worked their way to Chicago.

In the spring of 1838 Ansten returned to Norway while Ole “explored” northward, eventually reaching Clinton Township.

Ansten organized more than a hundred emigrants and led them to Wisconsin the following year. Some joined Ole Nattestad on Jefferson Prairie: others went west to Rock Prairie (Luther Valley).

Although the groups organized different church congregations and were separated by settlers of different nationality, they are usually regarded jointly as the first Norwegian settlement in Wisconsin, and the fourth in America.

Erected 1951 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1838.

Location.

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42° 29.618′ N, 88° 51.791′ W. Marker is near Clinton, Wisconsin, in Rock County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 140 and East State Line Road, on the right when traveling south on State Highway 140. Marker is approximately 4 miles south of Clinton at a turn-off next to the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clinton WI 53525, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Madison.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In the Name of God. Amen. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Skavlem–Williams Log Cabin (approx. 4.4 miles away); In Memory of the Heroes of War (approx. 4½ miles away); The Crossing (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Old Clinton Water Tower (approx. 4.7 miles away); Black Hawk War (approx. 6.2 miles away); The Medal of Honor (approx. 6.2 miles away); Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for the Jefferson Prairie Settlement. (Submitted on September 27, 2009.)

Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009

2. Jefferson Prairie Settlement Marker

The Jefferson Prairie Cemetery is in the background.

Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009

3. Jefferson Prairie Settlement Marker

The marker can be seen in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,298 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.