Near Sanford in Seminole County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Upsala Swedish Community
By Tim Fillmon, December 24, 2015
1. Upsala Swedish Community Marker
This site was the center of the earliest and largest Swedish community in Florida. Located here were the Scandinavian Society Lutheran Church; its cemetery; and a meeting house, which also served as a school until 1904.In May 1871 thirty-three Swedish immigrants (twenty-six men and seven women) arrived under the sponsorship of Henry S. Sanford for the purpose of developing his citrus groves (St. Gertrude, which extended from what is now Central Florida Regional Hospital south to Third Street; and Belair, west of the railroad racks on Old Lake Mary Road).
General Sanford's initial cost was $75.00 per person ($65.00 for transportation and $10.00 to a recruiting agent). He also agreed to give each immigrant free rations and living quarters for one year, after which each would be given a parcel of land. In November 1871 twenty additional Swedes arrived and joined the original immigrants to form the Upsala community. Many descendants of these early immigrants still live in the Sanford area.
Erected by Seminole County Historical Commission.
Location.
By Tim Fillmon, December 24, 2015
2. Upsala Swedish Community Marker and surrounding area
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mayfair Country Club (approx. one mile away); Belair Historical Marker (approx. 1.4 miles away); Goldsboro (approx. 2.2 miles away); Bookertown (approx. 2.4 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Lake Mary (approx. 2.4 miles away); Lake Mary Historic Sites (approx. 2.6 miles away); Dr. Seth French (1824~1896) (approx. 2.6 miles away); Sanford State Farmers' Market (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sanford.
Topics. This marker is included in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on March 16, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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