Swedesburg in Henry County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Dala Horse

National Symbol of Sweden

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

1. The Dala Horse Marker

Inscription. Dedicated to the Swedish immigrant ancestors who settled in southeast Iowa and to Sandra Harris who has so generously supported the Swedish Heritage Society.
September 17, 2014

Erected 2014 by Swedish Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Immigration • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 41° 6.263′ N, 91° 32.693′ W. Marker is in Swedesburg, Iowa, in Henry County. It is at the intersection of James Avenue and Park Street, on the right when traveling south on James Avenue. The marker is mounted near ground-level in front of the Dala Horse, facing James Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 James Avenue, Swedesburg IA 52652, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

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

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and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Farmers Union Exchange (a few steps from this marker); Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Winfield Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.8 miles away); The Old Military Road (approx. 7½ miles away); First Settler's Home in Washington County (approx. 7.6 miles away); Beginning of National Republican Party (approx. 7.6 miles away); James Harlan (approx. 9 miles away); Iowa Wesleyan College (approx. 9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Swedesburg.

Also see . . .
1. Dalecarlian Horse (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

A traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as of Sweden in general.

(Submitted on January 7, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. About Dala Horses. Excerpt:

In central Sweden,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

2. The Dala Horse Marker
The marker is mounted near ground-level in front of the Dala Horse.
wood scraps from the local furniture-making trade, paint-pigment from nearby copper mines, and long winter evenings bred the development of the Dala Horse. Traditions vary in giving credit to woodsmen and to soldiers for originating the craft. Dala Horses from the Nusnäs-Mora area first appeared with their familiar bright decoration in the 1800s when the kurbit, or flower-patterned saddle, was regularly added to them.

(Submitted on January 7, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. History of the Dala Horse. Excerpt:

A Dala Horse was placed outside the entrance of the Swedish pavilion at the 1939 world exhibition in New York. After the exhibition, the Dala Horse quickly became a symbol for Sweden.

(Submitted on January 7, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The Dala Horse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021

3. The Dala Horse

Looking north. The Swedish Heritage Museum is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 7, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.