Welcome to the town of
New Sweden, Maine
On July 23, 1870, a Swedish Colony was established by the State of Maine in the virgin forest of Aroostook County. Maine had appointed William Widgery Thomas, Jr. (who had served as Lincoln's Civil War Consul in Sweden) as State Immigration Commissioner. He went to Sweden, recruited the first 51 immigrants, and led them into the township that became New Sweden. Early hardships were overcome and the Colony prospered and grew into the neighboring townships of Westmanland (1879, Stockholm (1881) and the surrounding areas.
WELCOME - VÄLKOMMEN
After a brief introduction as to how the Colony came to be, the contents are organized by townships involved: New Sweden, Stockholm, Woodland (and Perham, Connor, Caribou) Westmanland and Madawaska Lake (T16R4). For each, there is an early history followed by what exists today. The booklet also contains many old (nostalgic) and new photographs. See the Service and Cultural Directory insert for current list of local contacts, places to see, and other information. The front and back covers are shown below.
The following local historical organizations involved in this project are the Historical Societies of New Sweden, Woodland, Stockholm, and Maine's Swedish Colony, Inc.
Copies may be ordered from MaineSwedishColony.info
Prices are available on the website.
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