A different Stavanger
Where Norwegian roots take American soil
A crossroads. Ten houses and a church. Welcome to Stavanger.
In 1834, the first permanent Norwegian settlement in the United States was established. Far out in the farming countryside of Illinois, families such as Leland, Hersdal, Rossedal, Madland, and Helland established their roots. At some point during this migration wave, Stavanger was also settled. Why Stavanger? No one knows exactly when or why the place was given its name. However, it’s widely assumed that emigrants from Rogaland who crossed the Atlantic either longed for Norway or wanted to honor their homeland.
And so, Stavanger became Stavanger.
Driving through Stavanger takes about three seconds. Driving down the main street takes half a second—it’s easy to miss the small signs marking your arrival. Yet in America, few clusters of houses are fortunate enough to receive an official name. Search for “Stavanger, IL” on Google Maps or weather sites, and you’ll be directed right here—to a tiny spot in the heart of America’s rural landscape. Surrounded by vast fields of corn and soybeans—field after field—or as Norwegians might say, acre after acre.
This is how the story begins—a story that dates back to October 2005. This story, along with many others, will be shared with you through a series of articles here on Substack.
What can you expect?
You will get to know the area where “The Sloopers” first settled permanently. You will also meet individuals like Miriam, Pastor Phil, Scott, Marj, Dave, Robert, Shirley, Cora, and Crayton, to name just a few.
In time, I will also share stories from Decorah and Minneapolis, as well as Stavanger in Norway and New York.
On July 4, 2025, the sloop Restauration will set sail from Stavanger, Norway. The ship is a replica of the original vessel. It will first sail south along Europe before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean and then heading north toward the United States. According to the plan, it will arrive in New York on October 9, 2025—exactly 200 years to the day since the original Restauration reached New York. This date is better known as Leif Erikson Day.
In Norway, 2025 will be marked in various ways, especially in Stavanger at the beginning of July. The exhibition “A Different Stavanger” will be displayed in Byparken in Stavanger. Featuring 21 images from this project, it will tell the story of a different Stavanger. The King and Queen of Norway are also expected to attend the festivities.
Upon arrival in New York, Restauration will be greeted by the Crown Prince and Princess, as well as many Norwegian-Americans. In the following days, several cultural events will take place across the city.
My exhibition “A Dying Norway – In a Living America?” will also be featured at the Trygve Lie Gallery, operated by the Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
The last 150 days until July 4th I have a goal to daily publish a new photograph from the project with a caption. Stay tuned!
