Near Clifton in Bosque County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cleng Peerson

(May 17, 1782 - Dec. 16, 1865)

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2025

1. Cleng Peerson Marker

Inscription. Called the "Father of Norwegian Immigration to America", Cleng Peerson migrated to the United States from his native Norway in 1821. He traveled extensively and encouraged his countrymen to settle on land he selected in the east and midwest. Coming to Texas in 1849, Peerson discovered Norwegian families living near Dallas and located sites where others might move. In 1853 he led a group to Bosque County, beginning the large Norwegian settlement in this area. Peerson lived on the O. Colwick farm (.5 mi. S) until his death. He is buried in the church cemetery at Norse.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 917.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 31° 43.694′ N, 97° 41.388′ W. Marker is near Clifton, Texas, in Bosque County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 219 and County Road 4230, on the left when traveling west on Road 219. The marker is located along the highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7436 FM 219, Clifton TX 76634, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Norwegian Settlements in Bosque County (approx. 1½ miles away); Norse

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Our Savior's Lutheran Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); The Rock Church (approx. 6.6 miles away); Clifton College Administration Building (approx. 6.9 miles away); Joseph Olson Family Cabin (approx. 7 miles away); Joseph Olson Family Log Cabin (approx. 7 miles away); Site of Clifton Lutheran College (approx. 7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton.

Also see . . . Cleng Peerson: Pioneer of Norwegian Immigration to America. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

Cleng Peerson (Kleng Pedersen), who championed the immigration of Norwegians to the United States, was born in Tysvær, Norway, on May 17, 1782. He came to the New World as a result of hardships in his native land, including the high price of farmland, the high number of drownings among fishermen, and drought. He arrived at New York City in 1821 seeking homes for fellow Norwegian Quakers (most later immigrants from Norway were Lutherans). Between 1825 and 1847 Peerson helped establish communities for Norwegian Quakers and their compatriots in New York, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin,
Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2025

2. Cleng Peerson Marker
Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. He moved to Texas in 1850 and lived with friends near Dallas until 1854.

(Submitted on September 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Cleng Peerson Marker along the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2025

3. The view of the Cleng Peerson Marker along the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.