Mission Township near Norway in LaSalle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

“Norsk Story”

Photographed by Kent Vanderploeg, July 23, 2026

1. “Norsk Story” Monument

Inscription. This is the area where the first Norwegian migrants spent the first winter in the Fox River settlement in 1834. Across the road is where Cleng Peterson had his famous dream and vision of better things for his countrymen. This resulted in bringing them here where they were first successful in America. Norwegians followed in droves, then spread out all over America from here. This cemetery was part of Nels Nelson Jr.’s Farm. Nels and Carrie Peerson Nelson (Cleng Peerson’s Sister) are resting here. The 1st Norwegian settlements were Murray, N.Y. (near Rochester); Norway, Leland, Lee, and Rowe, Illinois. All Norwegians can be proud of their heritage.

53 Norwegian immigrants game to America in 1825 aboard the sloop Restoration. Most of them were farmers seeking religious freedom and better opportunities for their families. Nels Nelson Hersdal’s farm was 2 miles down the road. Goodman Hougas’ farm was 1 mile west and 1 mile north of Stavanger, Illinois. John Rosdail’s farm was 1 mile east and 1 mile south of Norway, joining the Fox River cemetery, which was part of his farm. Immigrants are resting in the Norway cemetery 1 mile south. Visit the Norsk museum in Norway in the first Norwegian Lutheran Congregations Church in America, 1 mile north. Cleng Peerson Memorial Park is there too. Cleng Peerson is resting in the Norse, Texas, cemetery near Clifton Texas.

Sponsors – 1980
Mervin & Phyllis (Carstens) Eastwood – Weston & Ona (Tuntland) Fruland – Johny & Verle Johnson – Wayne & Irine

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(Meling) Borchsenius – Erma Fruland – Floyd & Ruth Ann (Chapman) Dierzen – Lester & Esther (Schroeder) Seversike – Rachel (Chanson) Southcombe – Eunice & Chrystal Thompson – Floyd W. & Robert M. Ness – George Strand family – Norsk Museum – Norwegian Slooper Society of America – See other side

Erected 1934 by Norsk Museum, Norwegian Slooper Society of America, and private donors named on the monument.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 41° 27.434′ N, 88° 40.432′ W. Marker is near Norway, Illinois, in LaSalle County. It is in Mission Township. It is at the intersection of Cleng Peerson Memorial Highway (Illinois Route 71) and East 2631st Road, on the right when traveling south on Cleng Peerson Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3606 IL-71, Sheridan IL 60551, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois

and specifically in the Illinois River Valley.

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

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured

Photographed by Kent Vanderploeg, July 23, 2026

2. “Norsk Story” Monument

as the crow flies: Cleng Peerson (a few steps from this marker); Hauge Lutheran Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles A. Lindbergh (approx. 5.6 miles away); Marseilles Veterans Memorial (approx. 9 miles away); Marseilles Veterans Monument (approx. 9 miles away); Marseilles Civil War Memorial (approx. 9 miles away); Sgt. James Sanborn (approx. 9 miles away); First Marine Division FMF Memorial (approx. 9.3 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2026, by Kent Vanderploeg of Channahon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Kent Vanderploeg of Channahon, Illinois. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the other side of this monument • Can you help?