Vasa in Goodhue County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Vasa: Mattson's Settlement

By Keith L, July 22, 2011

1. Vasa: Mattson's Settlement Marker

[east side of marker]

Inscription. Founded in 1853 and called “Mattson’s Settlement” after its first resident, Hans Mattson, the community was renamed Vasa in 1856 in honor of Swedish King Gustav Vasa. Once called “the most Swedish colony in America,” the town prospered as an agricultural community until its two general stores, creamery, and post office were closed in the 1950s. It has continued to serve as a religious center, and its ethnic heritage has been carefully preserved.

Two men played major roles in Vasa’s development. Mattson was one of the earliest promoters of Swedish immigration to the United States. He organized and led a company of Swedish volunteers in the Civil War and later became Minnesota’s first commissioner of immigration in 1867 and its secretary of state in 1869. He later served as U.S. Consul General to India and in 1888 was named national chairman of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of Swedish settlement in America.

Reverend Eric Norelius, who settled in Vasa in 1855, established about a dozen Lutheran congregations in southeastern Minnesota. A major force in establishing the Minnesota Conference of the Lutheran Church – the Augustana Synod – he also started the state’s first Swedish newspaper and one of its first colleges, Gustavus Adolphus, now located in St. Peter.

By Keith L, July 22, 2011

2. Vasa: Mattson's Settlement Marker

[west side of marker with duplicate text]

Minnesota's first private children’s home and first private high school were both established in Vasa by Pastor Norelius, who was later knighted for his efforts by Sweden’s King Oscar.

Vasa was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It stands today as a tribute to America's Swedish immigrants.

[Seal of The Minnesota Historical Society]
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society
1988

Erected 1988 by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Minnesota Historical Society marker series.

Location. 44° 30.216′ N, 92° 43.415′ W. Marker is in Vasa, Minnesota, in Goodhue County. Marker is on Norelius Road (County 7 Boulevard) 0.2 miles east of Old Childrens Home Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Welch MN 55089, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Colonel William Colvill Monument (approx. 8.3 miles away); "We Must Have a Gun" (approx. 8.3 miles away); 1888 Cannon Falls Fire Hall (approx. 8.9 miles away); Goodhue County Veterans Memorial

By Keith L, July 22, 2011

3. Vasa: Mattson's Settlement Marker

The Vasa Museum is beyond the marker.

(approx. 10.2 miles away); Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Depot (approx. 10.2 miles away); The Sea Wing Disaster / Victims of the Sea Wing Disaster (approx. 10.2 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 10.2 miles away); T.B. Sheldon Memorial Auditorium (approx. 10.2 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Around Swedish America in 548 Days. Day 131 - Vasa. (Submitted on August 1, 2011.)

2. Minnesota Historical Society. Vasa Historic District. (Submitted on August 1, 2011.)

3. Cannon Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Vasa Museum. (Submitted on August 1, 2011.)

Categories. • Churches & Religion • Education • Settlements & Settlers •

By Keith L, July 22, 2011

4. Vasa Museum

Old Swedish Lutheran Church

Vasa Historic District image. Click for full size.

By Keith L, July 22, 2011

5. Vasa Historic District

National Register of Historic Places #75000983

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 1, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 669 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 1, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.