Norway in America - Minnesota

Aabye, MN
Norway in America - Minnesota Post office names in USA and Canada with Norwegian origin. Research by Hallvard Slettebø and Dag Henriksbø. This page was updated July 11, 2024.
Norwegians settled in Minnesota largely in the third quarter of the nineteenth century. First period from 1850-1865. Second period from 1866 to the middle seventies. Numerous stories could be told about the settlements, hardships, Indian treaties, railroads, and progress when the Civil War ended. "What a glorious new Scandinavia might not Minnesota become!... Here the Norwegian would find his rapid rivers… The climate, the situation, the character of the scenery agrees with our people better than that of any other American States...". (quote from the celebrated Swedish novelist Fredrika Bremer who visited Minnesota 1850.) Minnesota is the state with the highest number of Norway-related post office names.
Aabye, a city in Lee Twp., Norman Co., MN. It was named for Andrew T Aabye, born 1854 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents. The city began as a Great Northern Railway village in 1883 and was incorporated as a village 1906. The Aabye post office was established 1884 in the trading post of Andrew T. Aabye, postmaster, who moved his store into the village and continued as postmaster when the name changed to Perley 1884.
Aastad, MN
Aastad, a village and township across county lines in Otter Tail Co. / Grant Co., MN. It was named for Gilbert Aastad, a Norwegian settler. The first Aastad, MN post office opened 1880 in Otter Tail Co., with Knudt D. Erickson postmaster, and changed name and moved to Lillemon in Grant Co. 1881 (See Lillemon, MN). NFT 1/2016. The second Aastad, MN post office opened 1881, same place as the first Aastad, MN post office, again with storeowner Knudt D. Erickson postmaster, and closed 1905 with mail to Fergus Falls. NFT 1/2016.
Agder, MN
Agder, township in Marshall Co., MN. It is named for the Agder district in southernmost Norway. The Thorwick, MN post office (est. 1896) changed name 1909 to Agder with Saave Brokke postmaster, only to be discontinued the year after with mail to Thief River Falls. The population was 108 at the 2000 census. See Thorwick, MN below.
Alborn, MN
Alborn is a community and township in Saint Louis Co., MN. It was named by its many settlers from Norway. The Alborn, MN post office opened 1900 with Frank A. Trolander as postmaster, and it closed 1996.
Aldal, MN
Aldal was a post office in Garfield Twp., Polk Co., MN, established 1881 with Edward H. Cornelius as postmaster in his store. It was named for Jacob Aldal, who was born in Norway in 1847 and came to the United States in 1871 and to the area in 1879; the site had a sawmill, a church, and a school. The post office closed 1887 with mail to Fertile.
Amor, MN
Amor is a township in Otter Tail Co., MN. Norwegian settlers applied for the post office name Cupid which was declined, and then Amor was selected. Cupid was the god of love in the ancient Roman mythology, and Amor is Latin for love. The Amor post office was established 1878 and closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Battle Lake.
Anderson, MN (1)
Anderson, post office in the wheat-growing area of Barsness Twp., Pope Co., MN. It was named for Knute Anderson Wisness from Norway who together with Ole N. Barsness were among the first settlers to arrive here in 1866. The post office was established 1868 with Ole N. Barsness as postmaster. Both Knute and Ole served as sherrifs in Pope Co. The post office closed 1883 with mail to Glenwood.
Anderson, MN (2)
Anderson, a post office in Birch Lake Twp., Beltrami Co., MN, named for homesteader Anton Anderson (b. 1888 Norway). Established 1914 with Frank O. Heulin as postmaster (b. 1867 Sweden), name-change to Heulin 1917, closed 1936.
Anstad, MN
Anstad, a post office in Moylan Twp., Marshall Co., MN. Torkel Olson Austad from Bygland, Setesdal, Norway was postmaster when the post office was established 1906. The postal authorities misread Anstad for Austad in the post office petition. The post office closed 1918.
Anthony, MN
Anthony, village and post office in Anthony Twp., Norman Co., MN, named for Anthony Scheie, one of its first settlers, who came here in 1872. His father, Andreas A. Scheie, the first pastor in this county, was born 1818 in Vigedal, Norway; came to the United States in 1840; was ordained to the ministry in 1855; was pastor in Fillmore Co., MN 1857-76, and afterward in Ada; and died in 1885. The post office opened 1901 with Peter P. Olson as postmaster and it was discontinued 1907, superseded by R.D. from Halstad.
Arendahl, MN
Arendahl is a township in Fillmore Co., MN. First settled in 1854, named by its first postmaster Isaac Jackson, a Norwegian immigrant, who had lived 12 years in Dane Co., WI, and came to this township in 1856, the name being for the seaport city of Arendal on the southeastern coast of Norway. The Arendahl, MN post office operated from 1860 until closing 1905, superseded by R.D. and mail to Rushford. The township population was 333 at the 2000 census. NFT 2/2017.
Arnesen, MN
Arnesen, a fishing village on the shore of the Lake of the Woods, in Lakewood Twp., Beltramy Co. (from 1923 in Lake of the Woods Co.), MN. It was formerly known as Rocky Point, and was founded by Bernard A. Arnesen from Bergen, Norway, who settled here 1897. The Arnesen post office opened 1903 with Mr. Arnesen as postmaster and closed 1923, mail to Bryceland. The village had a station on the Canadian National Railroad.
Ashby, MN
Ashby is a city in Grant Co., MN. Ashby was platted in 1879, and named for Gunder Ash, an early Norwegian settler who lived east of the village site. The village was developed on land owned by Simon Larson; the post office began operating in 1880 with Knute H. Melby first postmaster and it is still in operation. Ashby R.F.D. was established 1904. The population was 446 at the 2010 census.
Aspelien, MN
Aspelien was a post office in Norway Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, established 1893 with Andrew H. Espelien, postmaster, born 1853 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents. The post office was discontinued 1896 with mail to Norway Lake.
Aspelund, MN
Aspelund was a farming village in Wanamingo Twp., Goodhue Co., MN, founded by veterinarian and first postmaster Dr. Christian Hveem, its post office operating from 1872. The name given is the Norwegian designation for the grove of aspen or poplar trees near to the village. Dr. Hveem was born in Norway, 1835. Aspelund had a station of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. The post office was superseded by R.D. 1905 with mail to Kenyon.
Aurdal, MN
Aurdal, post office in Aurdal Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN. The post office was established 1871 with Nels E. Nelson as postmaster. It was named for its township, which was named for Aurdal, Valdres, Norway. Discontinued 1882, re-established 1899 and finally discontinued 1901 with mail to Weggeland.
Aure, MN
Aure was a country post office in Roosevelt Twp., Beltrami Co., MN. It was established 1903, named for Aure, Norway, and postmaster was Edward Stubban, born 1876 in Trondhjem, Norway. Mr. Stubban was appointed postmaster of Flandrem, MT in 1906. The Aure, MN post office was discontinued 1919 with mail to Pinewood.
Aurland, MN
Aurland was a post office in Goodhue Co., MN, probably in Warsaw Twp. It was established May 1898 with John T. Wangen as postmaster (born 1840 Norway), and named for Aurland, Norway. It closed after less than three months with mail to Cannon Falls.
Ausland, MN
Ausland was a post office in Rail Prairie Twp., Morrison Co., MN. Ausland was named for settler John Knudson Ausland, originally from Aasland in Setesdal, Norway. The post office was established 1899 with John's wife Annie Knudson postmaster, and was discontinued from 1914 with mail to Fort Ripley.
Barsness, MN
Barsness, post office and Soo line railway station in Barsness Twp., Pope Co., MN, established 1897 with Even A. Gandrud as postmaster. It was named in honor of three brothers, Nels N. Erik N. and Ole N. Barsness, born in Norway respectively in 1835, 1842, and 1844, who settled in this township in 1865-66. The post office was discontinued 1906, superseded by R.D. from Glenwood.
Belmont, MN
Belmont, township in Jackson Co., MN. The township received its name from a settlement of Norwegian immigrants who came here in 1860. One of their leaders, Anders Olson Slaabaken, was also often called Anders Belmont, possibly for a locality in Norway. The post office was established 1872 with Ole Tollefson as postmaster and was named for its township. Transferred to Brownsburg 1874, re-established 1877, discontinued 1880, re-established 1882 and finally closed 1886.
Benson, MN
Benson is a city in Swift Co., MN. Co. seat from 1870. The name was adopted in honor of Ben H. Benson, who was born in Norway in 1846, came to the USA in 1861, and settled here in 1869, engaging in mercantile business. Benson had a station in section 6 of the Great Northern Railway. The Benson, MN post office opened in 1870 with Louis Metdal first postmaster, and it is still in operation. The population was 3,240 at the 2010 census. Benson R.F.D. was established 1903.
Benson & Saint Paul, MN Agt.
Saint Paul & Pacific Railroad (Great Northern) / Saint Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. Benson to Willmar, Litchfield, Wazato, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Route 869. A railway post office on the 136 miles line between Benson and Saint Paul, operated 1870-1872. See Benson, MN for the origin of the Benson name.
Benson & Browns Valley, MN R.P.O.
Great Northern Railway / Saint Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. Benson to Morris, Graceville and Browns Valley, Route 879.11. A railway post office operated April-August 1902 on the 73 miles line between Benson, MN & Browns Valley, MN. See Benson, MN for the origin of the Benson name.
Benson, MN & Huron, SD R.P.O.
Saint Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway (Great Northern). Milaca to Saint Cloud, Willmar, Benson, Appleton, Watertown, Willow Lake and Huron, Route 878.2. A railway post office operated on the 190 miles line between Benson, MN and Huron, SD from 1888 to 1950. See Benson, MN for the origin of the Benson name.
Berg, MN
Berg, a post office in Webster Twp., Rice Co., MN, established 1889 with Carl Hendrickson as postmaster, on land originally owned by a settler named Berg, who opened a general store on his farm; the site had Martin Elyward's saloon in the area of Berg nicknamed Little Chicago. A Norwegian church was located nearby, its officers included a P. Berg and a P.O. Berg. Several brothers Berg took homestead in Webster Twp. and the post office must have been named for one or more of these: Peder, Lars, Ole, Daniel, Johannes, all sons of Ole Larsen Rotneberget from Grue, Hedmark, Norway. Discontinued 1901, superseded by R.D. from Northfield.
Bergen, MN (1)
Bergen, a post office in the Lanesboro village, Carrolton Twp., Fillmore Co., MN. The first settlers came here in 1854 from Koshkonong, Dane Co., WI, including Jules and Sille Skari. The post office was established 1858 with Jule H. Skarie (Juel Hansen Skari in Norway, various spelling varieties in America) as postmaster, born 1831 at Skari, Brandbu, Gran, Hadeland, Norway. Jules Skari stayed for a while in Muskego prior to moving to Fillmore, and in Muskego he was in close contact with settlers from the area around Bergen, Norway, including Knud Langeland. Bergen, MN was undoubtedly named for the city of Bergen, Norway. Discontinued 1865, and Lanesborough was established same place 1868, changed spelling 1883 to Lanesboro and still in operation.
Bergen, MN (2)
Bergen, post office in Bergen Twp., McLeod Co., MN, established 1867 with William E. Piper as postmaster. It was named for its township which was named by Norwegian settlers for the large city and seaport of Bergen in southwestern Norway. The post office was discontinued 1883, re-established 1887 and finally closed 1888 with mail to Winstead.
Bergen, MN (3)
Bergen, a village in Christiania Twp., Jackson Co., MN. It was named for Bergen, Norway. The post office was established 1889 with Sivert O Harstad as postmaster, he was born 1866 in Norway, came to Minnesota in 1867, and to Jackson Co. in 1871. The post office closed 1900, superseded by R.D. from Windom.
Bergville, MN
Bergville, a village in Ardenhurst Twp., Itasca Co., MN; its post office opened 1904 with Albert K. Berg as postmaster. Must have been named for its postmaster and his family. His father Knut and family were here in 1905 (Knut was born 1839 Gol, Norway). Closed 1935 with mail to Northome.
Bernadotte, MN
Bernadotte, post office in Bernadotte Twp., Nicollet Co., MN. The township was settled in 1859 received this name at the suggestion of John Miller, one of its pioneer settlers, in honor of King Charles XV (1826-72), king of Sweden and Norway. He was called Karl XV in Sweden and Karl IV in Norway. The House of Bernadotte is the royal house of Sweden since its foundation in 1818. It was also the royal house of Norway between 1818 and 1905. The post office was established 1871 and it was discontinued 1904, superseded by R.D. from Lafayette.
Black Hammer, MN
Black Hammer is a township in Houston Co., MN, first settled in 1852. Knut Bergo named it for the Svarthamar peak in Vestre Slidre, Norway. The village had a blacksmith, a post office opened 1871 in postmaster Gunder Mattison (Matheson)'s general store, a school, and a church. The post office closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Springgrove.
Blix, MN
Blix was a post office in Nora Twp., Clearwater Co., MN, established 1904 and named for its postmaster Albert N. Blix. Albreck Nicolai “Albert” Blix was born 1856 at Meløy, Helgeland, Norway. The post office was discontinued 1907 with mail to Bagley.
Brager, MN
Brager, a country post office in Shell Lake Twp., Becker Co., MN. It was named for postmaster George W. N. Brager, who operated a hotel. He was born 1869 in Norway. The Brager, MN post office operated from 1903 and closed 1934 with mail to Detroit Lakes.
Bratsberg, MN
Bratsberg is a community in Norway Twp., Fillmore Co., MN, a hamlet in the southeast corner of section 10. It bears the name of a district in southern Norway. The farming community began about 1859. Its first post office, 1862, was in Ole Johnson's shanty one-half mile north of the hamlet, later moving to the Bratsberg Store, with Ole Hendrickson as postmaster; the post office changed to a rural station of Rushford in 1907, closing in 1909. NFT 2/2017.
Brenner, MN
Brenner was a post office in Vallers Twp., Lyon Co., MN, established 1876 with Ole O. Brenner as postmaster (born 1831 Norway). It closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Cottonwood.
Brevik, MN
Brevik, a post office in Boy Lake Twp., Cass Co., MN. It was named for its first postmaster Ole Brevik, born 1854 in Norway. The Brevik, MN post office operated 1914-1954. Brevik, MN is the youngest Minnesota post office with documented name of Norwegian origin.
Brooten, MN
Brooten is a city in Stearns and Pope counties, MN. Brooten was laid out in 1886, and named for settler Reier O. Liabraaten, born 1840 in Flå, Hallingdal, Norway. The Brooten, MN post office opened 1886 with Embrick E. Knudson first postmaster and it is still in operation. Knudson was earlier postmaster at North Fork. Brooten had a station of the Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway (also called the Soo Line). Brooten R.F.D. was in operation from 1904. The population was 743 at the 2010 census.
Superior, WI & Brooten, MN R.P.O.
Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway. Duluth to Superior, Boylston, Moose Lake, Brooten and Glenwood Route 880.6. A railway post office on the 208 miles line between Superior, WI and Brooten, MN, in operation July-Nov. 1910. See Brooten, MN for the origin of the Brooten name.
Duluth & Brooten, MN R.P.O.
Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway. Duluth to Superior, Boylston, Moose Lake, Brooten and Glenwood Route 880.6. A railway post office on the 213 miles line between Duluth, MN and Brooten, MN, in operation 1910-1911. See Brooten, MN for the origin of the Brooten name.
Moose Lake & Brooten, MN R.P.O.
Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway. Duluth to Superior, Boylston, Moose Lake, Brooten and Glenwood Route 880.6. A railway post office on the 160 miles line between Moose Lake, MN and Brooten, MN, in operation 1911-1948. See Brooten, MN for the origin of the Brooten name.
Brunkeberg, MN
Brunkeberg, a post office in Cloverleaf Twp., Red Lake Co. (Pennington Co. from 1911), MN. It was named for Brunkeberg, Telemark, Norway. The Brunkeberg, MN post office opened in 1905 with Ole H. Langlie postmaster (b. 1866 Kviteseid, Norway). His wife Bergit came from Hemmingstveit in Brunkeberg, Norway. The post office closed 1911 with mail to Mavie.
Bygland, MN
Bygland village and township in Polk Co., MN. It was organized in 1877, was named for a village in southern Norway, whence several of its pioneer settlers came. The village was established when Sveinung K. Flaat built the Bygland Store in 1897. Flaat was born in Norway in 1871, came to the United States 1889, and died 1953. The post office operated from 1897 with Flaat as postmaster 1897-1903. It closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Fisher.
Casperson, MN
Casperson is a community in Golden Valley Twp., Roseau Co., MN. The community was named for two brothers who settled near the original town site, Jacob (b. 1875) and Charley Casperson (b. 1878 in USA to Norwegian immigrant parents). The Casperson, MN post office operated from 1903 with Hans P. Christianson postmaster, and closed 1917 with mail to Wannaska.
Christiana, MN
Christiana was a post office in Eureka Twp., Dakota Co., MN. It was named for Christiania (now Oslo), Norway. The post office was established 1858 with Magnus Sampson as postmaster. It closed 1902 with mail to Castle Rock. NFT 7/2015.
Churnes, MN
Churnes was a post office in Greenwood Twp., Clearwater Co., MN, established 1903 and named for its postmaster Alick Churness, a pioneer farmer, born 1870 in Wisconsin to Norwegian immigrant parents. The post office was superseded 1913 by R.D. from Clearbrook.
Clementson, MN
Clementson is a community in Lake of the Woods Co., MN. It was named for Helleck Clementson, born 1859 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents. His brother Ole Clementson was first postmaster. The Clementson, MN post office was established 1901, and it was converted to a rural station of Baudette in 1964. Discontinued 1981.
Conrad, MN
Conrad, post office in America Twp., Roseau Co., MN, established 1913 with Mary Anderson, wife of Conrad Anderson, postmaster. It was named for Conrad Anderson, born in North Dakota to Norwegian father and mother born in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents. Discontinued 1934 with mail to Salol.
Dahl, MN
Dahl, a country post office in Grand Park Twp., Becker Co., MN, established 1901 and named for its postmaster Peter Dahl, born 1874 in Norway. Dahl also had a sawmill. The post office closed 1911 with mail to Rochert.
Dale, MN
Dale is a ghost town in Highland Grove Twp., Clay Co., MN. The village of Dale was established by Andrew L. Jelsing (born 1870 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents) when he purchased and moved Ole Gol's saloon from Winnipeg Junction. In addition to owning the saloon, Jelsing was also proprietor of a general store, and depot agent at the town's rail station. The post office opened 1910 with Mr. Jelsing as postmaster and closed 1971.
Dalston, MN
Dalston, a city in Wergeland Twp., Yellow Medicine Co., MN, named for its postmaster Ole H. Dahl, born 1849 in Norway. The post office began as Harstad in Lincoln Co. (1875-1881), with W. G. A. Harstad, postmaster on his farm; it was moved to Yellow Medicine Co. in 1881 and first named Dalston, with store owner Ole Dahl as postmaster; and then changed in 1882 to Porter; it had a station of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The village was also known earlier as Lone Tree for the landmark single tree on Main Street, removed in 1909 for sidewalk construction. See Harstad, MN.
Dalton, MN
Dalton, a Great Northern Railway station in Tumuli Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN, named for Ole C. Dahl from Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, proprietor of the site. The post office opened as Tumuli 1880 and changed name to Dalton 1882. It is still in operation. The population was 253 at the 2010 census. Dahlton, SK, Canada is named for Dalton, MN.
Dock, MN
Dock was a country post office in Roseau Co., MN, probably in Hereim Twp. It was established 1901 and named for postmaster Ole K Dock (likely Ole K. Dokken, born in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents). The post office was reportedly closed 1902, but this order was either rescinded or the post office was re-established, and it closed finally 1905 with mail to Greenbush.
Domaas, MN
Domaas, a post office in Washkish Twp., Beltrami Co., MN. It was named for Dombås, Norway. The Domaas, MN post office opened in 1907 with Sophie Miller postmaster, and it changed name to Jed in 1915. Sophie was married to Ole Miller, and they were both Norwegian.
Dovray, MN
Dovray is a township in Murray Co., MN. It was named for the village Dovre and for Dovrefjeld, a high mountainous plateau of Norway, this name being given by Nels S. Taarud, the county treasurer. Ten years earlier, in 1869, a township of Kandiyohi Co. received the name Dovre, having the same derivation, for which reason the spelling was changed here, while retaining nearly the original pronunciation. The post office began as Ben Franklin in 1872 and was transferred here in 1895. It closed 2011.
Dovre, MN
Dovre, post office in Dovre Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. Dovre township was organized 1869, received its name from its prominent morainic hills, which the early Norwegian settlers called the Dovre Hills, in remembrance of the mountainous Dovre area in Norway. The post office was established 1874 with Lars O. Thorpe as postmaster, for whom the community of Thorpe was named. The Dovre, MN post office closed 1876. Mr. Thorpe was postmaster of Thorpe, MN from 1898, see below.
Duxby, MN
Duxby was a country post office in Roseau Co., MN. It was named by Norwegian settlers, the name being a combination of dux (ducks) and the Norwegian word "by" for town, for the many ducks on the river there. The first Duxby, MN post office was established 1897 with Charles Peterson first postmaster, closed 1918, re-opened 1919 and finally closed in 1938.
Eckvoll, MN
Eckvoll, post office in Oak Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1892 with Nels K. Nelson as postmaster. Eckvoll (Eikvoll) is a Norwegian name. Both the post office and the township have descriptive names; there were many oaks in its woods bordering the Red River. The post office closed 1907 with mail to Bigwoods.
Eddsville, MN
Eddsville was a farmers’ post office in Palmyra Twp., Renville Co., MN, established 1877 with Edwin H. Oleson (born 1833 in Norway) as postmaster at his home, and named for him. The post office closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Bird Island.
Eggen, MN
Eggen was a country post office in Hoff Twp., Pope Co., MN. It was named for postmaster Ole Eggen, born 1857 in Norway. The Eggen, MN post office operated from 1897 to 1901 when it was superseded by R.D. from Hancock.
Eidsvold, MN
Eidsvold was a farmers’ post office in Holden Twp., Goodhue Co., MN, named for Eidsvoll, Norway where the Constitution of Norway was signed in 1814. It was established 1875 with Hans Christensen as postmaster, and closed 1888 with mail to Norway. NFT 3/2016.
Eidswold, MN
Eidswold a village in New Market Twp., Scott Co., MN, named for Eidsvoll, Norway where the Constitution of Norway was signed in 1814. The post office was established 1896 with Emil Gunderson as postmaster. It closed 1902, superseded by R.D. from Lakeville.
Elden, MN
Elden was a post office in Oak Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN. The post office was established as Valborg 1901, with Nels Elden as postmaster (born 1848 in Norway). It changed name January 1905 to Elden, with Nels Elden continuing as postmaster, only to close in October same year with mail to Oslo.
Ellerth, MN
Ellerth, a village in Marsh Grove Twp., Marshall Co., MN. It was named for Ellerth Sagnes, wife of Edward Sagnes, postmaster, he emigrated from Vestre Toten, Norway. The Ellerth, MN post office was established in his home in 1898, moved in 1902 to the Korstad store with Anders Korstad, postmaster; it closed in 1913 with mail to Newfolden.
Ellson, MN
Ellson is a community in Pine Co., MN. Ellson was founded around 1895, and named for its first postmaster Ed C. Ellson, born 1873 in Wisconsin to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Ellson, MN post office operated from 1904 until closing 1925 with mail to Arthyde.
Emmons, MN
Emmons is a city in Nunda Twp., Freeborn Co., MN. Emmons was incorporated in 1899 and named for Henry G. Emmons who settled here in 1856. He was born 1828 in Eggedal, Buskerud, Norway and came to the United States in 1850. Emmons is an Americanization of his Norwegian family name Aamen. In 1880 his sons started a store on the present site of the village. The village had a station of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. The Emmons, MN post office opened 1889 with George H. Emmons first postmaster and it is still in operation. The population was 391 in the 2010 census. Emmons R.F.D. was established 1903.
Erdahl, MN
Erdahl is a community and township in Grant Co., MN. Erdahl was organized in 1877 and was named for pioneer Lutheran pastor Gullik M. Erdahl, who was born in Hardanger, Norway, 1840, and came to America 1847 with his parents, who settled in Madison, WI. A country post office operated 1883-1890 with Andrew K. Lee first postmaster, and was called Cork 1890-1901, the name changing back to Erdahl 1901-1951. Erdahl had a station of the Great Northern Railway.
Erickson, MN
Erickson was a post office in Lake Johanna Twp., Pope Co., MN, established 1884 and named for postmaster Peter Erickson (born 1835 Western Norway). The post office closed 1898 with mail to Lake Johanna.
Ericson, MN
Ericson, post office in Ericson Twp., Renville Co., MN. The township was settled in 1871 and was named in honor of Eric Ericson (born 1844 in Wisconsin to Norwegian immigrant parents), a prominent pioneer of this county, who served as county auditor and during many years was the county superintendent of schools. The Ericson post office was named for the township and was established 1877 with Fred H. Wolstad as postmaster. It closed 1879.
Espetvet, MN
Espetvet was a post office in Chester Twp., Polk Co., MN. Espetveit is a Norwegian farm name. The post office opened 1897 and was located in Espetvet Store & PO, with James H. Espetvet p.m. It closed 1910 with mail to Griebrok.
Esplee, MN
Esplee, post office in Espelie Twp., Marshall Co., MN. One source says the name was translated from Norwegian "poplar slope", but it was more likely named for Robert S. Espelee, postmaster. He must be the Robert Swenson who was born 1842 in Norway and in 1905 lived in Esplee, MN. The Esplee, MN post office operated from 1901 to closing 1935 with mail to Goodridge.
Evan, MN
Evan is a city in Prairieville Twp., Brown Co., MN. A post office was established in 1886, named Evan by the first postmaster, Martin Norseth, for his wife, Eva. The Evan, MN post office closed 1993. The population was 86 at the 2010 census. Evan R.F.D. was established 1904.
Fairland, MN
Fairland is an extinct town in Koochiching Co., MN. The community was first settled about 1902. It was first known as Feldman, named for an early settler. It was known as Fairland from 1911, named after Fjærland in Norway. The Fairland, MN post office opened 1911 with Ole K. Schete postmaster; when Scheie opened a general store with Ole Sandsmark at Sandsmark's home, the post office was moved and operated there until 1936.
Flak, MN
Flak, village in Maple Grove Twp., Crow Wing Co., MN. The community was named for first postmaster Peter Alberts, born 1849 as Peder Lorntsen Flak, Klinga near Namsos, Norway. The Flak, MN post office was established 1894 and closed 1926 with mail to Brainerd.
Flakne, MN
Flakne was a post office in Mud Lake Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1912 with Julia Flakne (born 1870 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents) as postmaster. It was named for her or her husband Knud O. Flakne (born 1861 in Norway). He had been postmaster of Edna, MN 1893-1897, in Polk Co. The post office closed 1916 with mail to Rollis.
Flom, MN
Flom is a township in Norman Co., MN. It was named for Erik Flom, an early settler, born 1860 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents and came here as a pioneer farmer in 1871. The Flom, MN post office opened 1895 with first postmaster Henry Vehle (from Voss, Norway), and it is still in operation. The population was 226 at the 2000 census. NFT 1/2020.
Fodvang, MN
Fodvang was a village in Marsh Grove Twp., Marshall Co., MN. It was named for Fåvang, Norway, by its first postmaster Iver Johnson Ophus who was born there in 1854. The Fodvang, MN post office was established 1887 and discontinued 1913 with mail to Newfolden.
Foldal, MN
Foldahl is a village and township in Marshall Co., MN. It was organized in 1883, named for Folldal in Østerdalen, Norway, the country from which most of the settlers in this township came. The Foldal, MN post office operated from 1883 with Adolph Willer first postmaster. It closed 1913 with mail to Argyle. The township population was 94 at the 2000 census.
Folkedahl, MN
Folkedahl, a village on the Wild Rice River in Lake Ida Twp., Norman Co., MN, with a sawmill and a post office. The post office was established 1884. Named for postmaster Theodore A. Folkedahl (born 1858 in Norway). Discontinued 1896 with mail to Ada.
Fosston, MN
Fosston is a city in Polk Co., MN. Fosston was incorporated 1883 and was named for Louis Foss (1849–1920), who was an immigrant from the village Nyttingnes in Sogn & Fjordane Co., Norway. Fosston had a Great Northern Railway depot. The Fosston, MN post office opened 1883 with Louis Foss first postmaster at his general store and it is still in operation. The population was 1,527 at the 2010 census. Fosston R.F.D. was established 1903. Fosston, SK, Canada is named for Fosston, MN. NFT 2/2018.
Saint Vincent & Fosston, MN R.P.O.
Saint Paul & Pacific Railroad (Great Northern), Saint Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. Route 869. A railway post office on the 130 miles line between Saint Vincent, MN and Fosston, MN, in operation 1895-1898. See Fosston, MN for the origin of the Fosston name.
Fossum, MN
Fossum is a township in Norman Co., MN. It was organized in 1881, and named after Fossum, in Southern Norway. The Postal Bulletin reported the name as Fossom, MN when it was established in 1882, but it is uncertain if this ever was the correct spelling. Anton (Anthan) Johnson was its first postmaster, the post office was first located in his general store, the first building on the site. The Fossum, MN post office closed 1911, superseded by R.D. and mail to Twin Valley. The population was 187 at the 2000 census.
Fram, MN
Fram, post office in Rollis Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1903 with Hans Burgess as postmaster (born in Norway). The area was almost exclusively Norwegian, and the post office must have been named for the specially built Norwegian polar ship. By 1903, when this p.o. was established Fram had been used on two important expeditions: with Fridtjof Nansen on a drift over the Arctic Ocean 1893-96 and with Otto Sverdrup 1898-1902 to the Arctic Archipelago west of Greenland - now the Nunavut region of Canada. One more was to follow, with Roald Amundsen to Antarctica for his South Pole expedition 1910-12. The Fram is now housed and exhibited in the Fram Museum in Oslo, Norway. The post office was discontinued 1910 with mail to Gatzke.
Fron, MN
Fron, Starbucks Twp., Pope Co., MN, established 1883 with Peder Engebretson as postmaster (born 1845 Bakken, Sør-Fron, Oppland, Norway). The post office was located six miles north of Starbuck and associated with a congregation organized at Starbuck. Discontinued 1887 with mail to Lowry.
Garnes, MN
Garnes is a township in Red Lake Co., MN. It was named for storeowner and first postmaster Ellef K. Gjernes, an immigrant from Norway. Garnes is a phonetic spelling of Gjernes. The Garnes, MN post office was established 1896 and discontinued 1910 with mail to Plummer. The township population was 174 at the 2000 census.
Godahl, MN
Godahl, a village in Nelson Twp., Watonwan Co., MN., whose name is Norwegian for “good valley”. The post office was established 1894 with John E. Sundt as postmaster. Godahl had a station of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad; only the cooperative store formed in 1894 remains. The post office closed 1907, superseded by R.D. from Saint James. NFT 2/2023.
Gonvick, MN
Gonvick is a city in Clearwater Co., MN. The city was named for pioneer settler Martin Gonvick, born 1868 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Gonvick, MN post office opened 1900 with Nels Fredensberg postmaster, and it is still in operation. The population was 282 at the 2010 census. NFT 7/2023.
Gordon, MN
Gordon, a post office in Huss Twp., Roseau Co., MN. It was named for postmaster Olaf N. Gordon, born 1883 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Gordon, MN post office operated from 1905 until discontinued 1908 with mail to Strathcona.
Graff, MN
Graff was a post office in Moose Lake Twp., Cass Co., MN, named for its postmaster Englebert H. Flategraff, the name originating from Flategrov, Gol, Norway. The Graff, MN post office operated from 1902 until closing 1935 with mail to Pine River.
Grue, MN
Grue, Green Lake Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. It was named for Ole Nelson Grue, state senator, 1898-1901, who was born in Wisconsin in 1857 to Norwegian immigrant parents, graduated from St. Olaf College in 1879, became a successful farmer, and died in 1916. It had a post office and a Great Northern Railway loading station, halfway between Willmar and Spicer; no other buildings were erected. The post office was established 1886 with Arne Embretson as postmaster. Discontinued May 1897, re-established November same year and finally closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Willmar.
Grunden, MN
Grunden, a post office in Gales Twp., Redwood Co., MN, established 1898 and named for its postmaster Andrew M. Grunden, born 1847 in Norway. He was formerly a postmaster at Logan, MN. Discontinued 1903 with mail to Walnutgrove.
Gunder, MN
Gunder, a post office in Hangaard Twp., Clearwater Co., MN. It was named for Gunder G. Hangaard from Norway, postmaster in his home. The Gunder, MN post office operated from 1905 until closing 1914 with mail to Wanke.
Hagan, MN
Hagan, settlement in Big Bend Twp., Chippewa Co., MN. Hagan was first settled in 1869 and is named for brothers Ole K. and Nels K. Hagen from Røldal, Norway. The postal department misspelled their name when Nels Knutson Hagen became first postmaster in 1872. The Township was incorporated in 1883. The Hagan, MN post office operated until 1907.
Halma, MN
Halma is a city in Norway Twp., Kittson Co., MN. Named for the first merchant John Edwin Holm, born in Norway in 1872. He came with his family to the United States in 1875, lived in Renville Co. until 1895, when he moved to a farm near Halma, becoming first postmaster when the post office began as Lafgren in 1902 and continuing when the name changed to Halma in 1904. The community developed when the Soo Line came through, many businesses moving there from Beaton. The Halma, MN post office closed 2009. The population was 61 at the 2010 census.
Halstad, MN
Halstad is a city and township in Norman Co., MN. The city was named for Ole Halstad, a Norwegian pioneer farmer who for many years was the postmaster of Marsh River post office in this Twp. The city was platted in 1883 and incorporated as a village 1893; a post office was established in 1884, with storekeeper Erik K. Brandt first postmaster, and it had a station of the Great Northern Railway. The Halstad, MN post office is still in operation. Halstad R.F.D. was established 1903. The population was 597 at the 2010 census. NFT 1/2020.
Halvor, MN
Halvor, post office in Oak Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN. Established 1901 with Frank Johnson as postmaster. Probably named for Halvor Gunderson (born c.1856 Norway) who lived here with his family. Closed 1905 with mail to Elden.
Hamre, MN
Hamre was a country post office in Hamre Twp., Beltrami Co., MN. The post office was established 1904 with Thor Thronson as postmaster and named for its township which derived its name from a small district in Norway, where some of its settlers came. The post office was discontinued 1907 with mail to Carmel.
Hanson, MN
Hanson, post office in Rock Dell Twp., Olmsted Co., MN, established 1875 and named for its postmaster Thomas Hanson, born 1850 in Norway. Discontinued 1900 with mail to Rockdell.
Hansville, MN
Hansville, was a post office in Polk Co., MN (probably in Crookston Twp). It was established 1884 and named for postmaster Hans Jacob Hanson, born 1858 in Norway. Closed 1897 with mail to Fosston.
Harstad, MN
Harstad, a post office in Lincoln Co., MN., probably in Alta Vista Twp., established 1875, named for Tjode Aanundson Harstad, born 1843 in Valle, Setesdal, Norway and postmaster at his farm. The post office was moved north to Yellow Medicine Co. in 1881 and first named Dalston, with store owner Ole Dahl as postmaster; and then changed in 1882 to Porter; it had a station of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The Porter, MN post office is still in operation. See Dalston, MN.
Haug, MN
Haug is a community in Soler Twp., Roseau Co., MN. The community was named for postmaster Theodore E. Haug, a homestead farmer from Norway. The Haug, MN post office opened 1897 and closed 1931 with mail to Greenbush.
Haugen, MN
Haugen, post office in Haugen Twp., Aitkin Co., MN. The township was named for sheriff Christopher G. Haugen (born 1857 in Norway). The post office was established 1904 with Andrew E. Haugen as postmaster. It closed 1905 with mail to Ronald.
Hegbert, MN
Hegbert, a farmers’ post office and township in Swift Co., MN. The township was organized in 1876 by Ole Hegstad and others, he was born in Norway 1846, and named for him. The post office opened 1884 with Olaus A. Rodal as postmaster. It closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Artichoke Lake.
Heiberg, MN
Heiberg is a railway village in Wild Rice Twp., Norman Co., MN. The community was named for Jørgen F. Heiberg, the owner of a local gristmill; he was born in Bergen, Norway 1861 and came to the USA 1881. The Heiberg, MN post office opened 1888 with first postmaster Karl Stenseth. The post office closed 1916 with mail to Twin Valley.
Hellem, MN
Hellem, post office in Solum Twp., Marshall Co., MN. Established 1886 on the Rasmus Nelson farmstead with Halvor Halvorson as postmaster (born 1827 Holla, Heddal, Norway). Hellem is a farm in Heddal, and possibly there is a link between the postmaster and the Hellem farm. Discontinued 1908 with mail to Stone.
Hendrum, MN
Hendrum is a city and township in Norman Co., MN. It is named for Hindrum in Leksvik, Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, where several of the settlers came from. Hendrum had a station of the Great Northern Railway. The Hendrum, MN post office opened 1878 with Johannes Hagen first postmaster and it is still in operation. Hagen’s wife was Olava Hindrum Hagen (1831-97), and her maiden name of Hindrum is likely the direct reason for the post office name. The population was 307 as of the 2010 census. Hendrum R.F.D. was established 1904. NFT 1/2020.
Higdem, MN
Higdem, post office and township in Polk Co., MN. Named for Arne O. Higdem, born 1855 in Norway, a pioneer farmer there, who was a member of the board of county commissioners. A post office operated May-November 1880, with Olaf Sandin, postmaster.
Hilda, MN
Hilda, a post office in Hickory Twp., Pennington Co., MN, established 1905 in the general store of Olaf Hanson and named for his wife and postmaster, Hilda Clemenson Hanson. The post office was a stopping place for riverboats to and from Thief River Falls; Hanson operated a steamboat and owned the only sawmill in the township, located on the north side of the Red Lake River. It was discontinued 1915 with mail to Erie.
Hitterdal, MN
Hitterdal is a city in Goose Prairie and Highland Grove Twps, Clay Co., MN. The town was named for Bendt O. Hitterdal, the original town proprietor. Hitterdal is an old form for Heddal, in Telemark, Norway. The Hitterdal, MN post office opened 1887 with Thomas G Anderson first postmaster and it is still in operation. Hitterdal R.F.D. operated from 1904. The population was 201 at the 2010 census.
Hoff, MN
Hoff, a small community in Eagle Lake Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN, with a blacksmith shop, gristmill and a post office established 1883 with Arne Arneson as postmaster. It was named for Hof, Solør, Hedmark, Norway, where the postmaster was baptized 1836. In 1890, the post office authorized a name-change to Pansey, but the change did not occur. Closed 1896 with mail to Ashby.
Holden, MN
Holden is a township in Goodhue Co., MN. Holden was settled in 1854-55, organized in 1858 and it was named by Norwegian settlers. The first post office operated March to June 1860 on George Nichol's farm; the second post office began in 1867 in Thomas E. Lajord's general store, closing in 1903, superseded by R.D. from Nerstrand. The township population was 457 at the 2000 census.
Holmlie, MN
Holmlie, post office in Valley Twp., Big Stone Co., MN, established 1877 with Arnt J. Holmlie as postmaster (born 1835 in Norway); the name was changed to Phillips in 1880. Located on Big Stone Lake, its exports were wheat, livestock, fish, and butter.
Holst, MN
Holst, post office and township in Clearwater Co., MN. The post office was named for its township which received its name in honor of Hans J. Holst, a Norwegian pioneer farmer there, who was sheriff of this county in 1904-8 and clerk of the township. The post office opened 1902 with Peder O. Stensrud as postmaster and closed 1906 with mail to Bagley.
Holt, MN (1)
Holt is a city in Marshall Co., MN. It is named, with a slight change in spelling, in honor of a pioneer Norwegian settler, Halvor Holte, who came to the area in 1886. Its post office opened 1886 with Ole O. Finberg postmaster. The post office closed in 1908, then same year the Sandridge post office changed name to Holt (see Holt, MN (1) below).
Holt, MN (2)
The Sandridge p.o. was established 1901 in Marshall Co., MN. with Nils Engebretsen as postmaster. The Holt p.o. closed 1908, and the same year the Sandridge post office changed name to Holt with Nils Engebretsen continuing as postmaster. The Holt, MN post office closed in 1969. The population was 88 at the 2010 census. See Holt, MN (1) above for origin of the Holt name.
Holum, MN
Holum was a post office in Norway Lake Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. It was named for Simon E. Holum who was appointed postmaster when the post office was established 1891. Discontinued 1893, re-established 1894 and finally closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Brooten.
Homedahl, MN
Homedahl, post office in Seely Twp., Faribault Co., MN. The first settlers were the Osul Haaland family of Norway about 1860s; Rasmus O. Haaland requested a post office in his home, becoming first postmaster. The neighbours decided on the name – Heimdal was the watchman of the gods in Norse mythology, it is also a village near Trondheim, Norway. The post office operated from 1877; it had a station of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and it closed 1904 with mail to Bricelyn.
Homme, MN
Homme was a post office in Hickory Twp., Pennington Co., MN, established 1913 and named for its postmaster Halvor G. Homme, born in Norway 1849, farmed in Echo, Yellow Medicine Co., before moving to this Township in 1912; he returned to Echo in 1916, where he died in 1929. The post office closed 1915 with mail to Wanke.
Hoverud, MN
Hoverud, farmers’ post office in Pope Co., MN, probably in Blue Mounds Twp. The community was settled in 1872 and named for Knud ‘Knute’ Hoverud, b. 1870 Valdres, Norway. The post office opened 1884 with first postmaster Andrew A. ‘Arne’ Avok (born 1834, Aavaak, Nord-Aurdal, Valdres, Norway). His son Albert married Knud Hoverud’s daughter Thea Olena in 1895. The post office was discontinued 1893 with mail to Langhei.
Hovland, MN
Hovland is a community in Hovland Twp., Cook Co., MN. Hovland was settled during the late 1880s by fishermen of primarily Scandinavian ancestry. The Hovland, MN post office was established in 1889 with Amund Jenson postmaster, named after settler and carpenter Ole Brunes' place of origin in Norway. The post office is still in operation.
Hurdal, MN
Hurdal, a small village in Bloomfield Twp., Fillmore Co., MN. Its first post office was established 1880 with Hans O. Larson as postmaster. His father Lars Gullichsen had emigrated from Hurdal, Norway. Lewis E. Lundby was postmaster from 1888. The post office moved and changed name 1891 to the city of Ostrander, with Mr. Lundby continuing as postmaster. It is still in operation. The second post office at Hurdal was established 1892 with Ole Johnson as postmaster. Discontinued 1899 with mail to Ostrander.
Ibsen, MN
Ibsen was a post office in Wolverton Twp., Wilkin Co., MN. It was established 1893 with Peter B. Helland as postmaster (born 1864 in Norway), and named for Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian playwright. The township was organised as Nora in 1891 before changing name a month later to Wolverton. The settlers in the area were predominantly Scandinavian. The post office was discontinued 1905, superseded by R.D. from Wolverton.
Idun, MN
Idun, post office in East Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN. Idun was the Norse goddess for youth and beauty. The post office was established 1902 with Charles M Carlson as postmaster and closed 1904 with mail to Loveid.
Ihlen, MN
Ihlen is a city in Eden Twp., Pipestone Co., MN. It was named in honor of Carl Ihlen from Norway, on whose land it was originally platted in 1888. The Ihlen, MN post office opened 1889 with Carl Ihlen first postmaster. The site was selected as a freight division point in 1916 for the Great Northern Railway. The post office was converted to a CPO from 1985 and closed 2013. The population was 63 at the 2010 census. NFT 4/2018.
Ihlen, MN & Yankton, SD R.P.O.
Sioux City & Northern Railroad (Great Northern), Willmar & Sioux Falls Railway. Willmar to Pipestone, Ihlen, Garretson, Sioux Falls, Lennox, Volin and Yankton, Route 878.8. Railway post office on the 121 miles line between Ihlen, MN and Yankton, SD, in operation 1917-1925. See Ihlen, MN for the origin of the Ihlen name. NFT 4/2018.
Inger, MN
Inger, township in Itasca Co., MN. It was named for a pioneer settler's Norwegian grandmother. The Inger, MN post office opened 1912 with William J. Gibbs as postmaster. In 1954 it was replaced by a rural station under Deer River post office only to be closed in 1955.
Iverson, MN
Iverson, a village in Twin Lakes Twp., Carlton Co., MN, had a station of the Northern Pacific Railroad and a post office which opened 1909, operated by postmaster Joseph P. Pfeifer, in his general store. The station was named by the Northern Pacific Railroad company for Ole Iverson (born 1873 in Norway), a pioneer settler there. The post office closed 1927 with mail to Carlton.
Jacobson, MN
Jacobson is a community in Ball Bluff Twp., Aitkin Co., MN. Formerly a logging town known as "Mississippi Landing," it is named after Paul Jacobson, who served as the first postmaster. He was born in Norway around 1870. The post office was established 1901 and it is still in operation.
Jelle, MN
Jelle, a country post office in Hamre Twp., Beltrami Co., MN. It was named for its first postmaster, Louis Jelle, born 1880 in Hjelle, Stryn, Norway. The Jelle, MN post office open 1903 and closed 1938 with mail to Grygla.
Jesperson, MN
Jesperson, a village in Ham Lake Twp., Anoka Co., MN, on the eastern shore of Lake Netta. The post office began 1895 as Hamlake and changed name 1900 to Jesperson with Ole Jesperson as postmaster (born Norway 1845). New name-change 1904 to Lakenette before closing 1905, superseded by R.D. from Constance.
Jevne, MN
Jevne was a post office in East Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1902 and named for Knute O. Jevne, postmaster (born 1870 in Norway). It closed 1924 with mail to Newfolden.
Jonstad, MN
Jonstad was a country post office in Moose River Twp., Marshall Co., MN. It was named for postmaster John Larsen, born 1844 in Norway as Johannes Larsen Jonstad. The Jonstad, MN post office was established 1902 and discontinued 1914 with mail to Jane.
Kalmer, MN
Kalmer, a country post office in Shelly Twp., Norman Co., MN, established 1891 with John K. Ueland as postmaster. It was named for Kalmer Ueland, the postmaster’s nephew. The Ueland (Ualand) name is from Lund, Rogaland, Norway. Discontinued 1900 with mail to Shelly. NFT 4/2021.
Klep, MN
Klep was a post office in New Folden Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1902 with Samuel Tunheim as postmaster at his farm, who named the post office for Klepp, Norway. Tunheim (1858-1918) was a pioneer evangelist, teacher, and editor who held many township offices. The post office closed 1909, superseded by R.D. from Newfolden.
Knatvold, MN
Knatvold, a village in Freeman Twp., Freeborn Co., MN. Knatvold began in the early 1890s on the site of the Freeman township hall. The village was named for state senator Thorvald V. Knatvold of Albert Lea, born 1854 in Norway. It had a store, a creamery, and a post office. The post office began 1899 as Freeman and changed to Knatvold after a few months, postmaster Theodor E. Flaskerud. It closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Albert Lea. Oslo p.o. was located here 1874-1875, see Oslo, MN (1).
Knutson, MN
Knutson, a post office in Keil Twp., Lake of the Woods Co., MN, established 1908 with Cornelius Knutson as postmaster, born 1879 in WI to Norwegian immigrant parents. It closed 1909 with mail to Beaudette.
Koland, MN
Koland, a small community in East Park Twp., Marshall Co., MN. It was named for John Koland (born in Norway 1871) who was postmaster in the store owned by Knute Hodne. The Koland, MN post office was established 1902, and it closed 1909 with mail to Karlstad.
Kongsberg, MN
Kongsberg, in Clinton Twp., Rock Co., MN. The post office began as Clinton 1876, changed name to Kongsberg 1877 and was discontinued 1884 with mail to Ash Creek. Nils Clemetson was postmaster under both names. It is named for the city of Kongsberg, Norway.
Kragero, MN
Kragero, township in Chippewa Co., MN, first permanently settled in 1867-68, organized 1873, was named for Hans H. Kragero, a pioneer farmer here, whose surname was taken from his native town of Kragerø, Norway. He was born 1841; was a sailor, and afterward lived in Chicago, 1866-69; and came here in 1870, settling in section 12 of the south part of this Twp. The post office opened 1875 and closed 1878.
Kragnes, MN
Kragnes is a township in Clay Co., MN, named in honor of Aanund Ole Kraaknes, who changed his name to Andrew O. Kragnes, a prominent Norwegian farmer, one of the first settlers of that township, who came from Houston Co. in 1872. He was born in Vrådal, Norway and came to the United States in 1852 with his parents, who two years later settled in Houston Co. He helped establish the community, building an elevator, a lumberyard, a store, and a machinery agency. He Americanized his name to Andrew O. Kragnes. The village had a post office from 1884 with William J. Bodkin first postmaster, and a station of the Great Northern Railway. The post office closed 1935 with mail to Moorhead. The population was 319 at the 2000 census.
Lake Johanna, MN
Lake Johanna, township in Pope Co., MN was named by Norwegian settlers. The post office was established 1868 and discontinued 1903 with mail to Brooten.
Langhei, MN
Langhei is a township in Pope Co., MN. Langhei is a Norwegian name meaning "long highland", a name which fits well with the landscape in the area. The Langhei, MN post office opened in 1871 with Gunder Thoraldson first postmaster, and it closed in 1904, superseded by R.D. from Starbuck. The township population was 217 at the 2000 census.
Langor, MN
Langor, township in Beltrami Co., MN was named for Henry A. Langord, a settler of Norwegian descent coming here from Wisconsin. The post office got its name from its township and was established 1896 with Langord as postmaster; he also owned the general store and sawmill. It closed 1907 with mail to Inez.
Larson, MN
Larson was a post office in Swan Lake Twp., Stevens Co., MN, established 1891 and named for postmaster Peter G. Larson (born 1845 in Norway). It was discontinued 1899 with mail to Morris.
Lerdal, MN
Lerdal was a village in Riceland Twp., Freeborn Co., MN. The community was named for the place of origin of first postmaster Jens O. Share, from Skjær, Lærdal, Norway. The Lerdal, MN post office opened 1892 and closed 1908, superseded by R.D. from Hayward.
Liegaard, MN
Liegaard, a post office in Hickory Twp., Pennington Co., MN, established 1913 with Lars Lee as postmaster, and probably named for him. Gaard is Norwegian for farm. He was born in Norway c. 1857, and sometimes his name is recorded as Louis or Lewis. Discontinued 1914 with mail to Hilda.
Lillemon, MN
Lillemon was a farmers’ post office in Lawrence Twp., Grant Co., MN, moved and renamed from Aastad 1881. It was named for postmaster Henry Gunderson Lillemoen (b. 1848 Sigdal, Norway). Superseded 1905 by R.D. from Campbell. See Aastad, MN above.
Lillo, MN
Lillo, a community in Equality Twp., Red Lake Co., MN, Magnus Johnson was postmaster; Johnson changed his name to Lillo, and Mrs. Lillo operated the general store. Magnus Johnson Lillo was born in Norway 1841 and came to America 1868. The Lillo, MN post office opened 1899 until closing 1919 with mail to Plummer.
Loken, MN
Loken, Lac qui Parle Co., MN, probably in Arena Twp. The post office was established 1880 with Jan K. Westereng as postmaster. Vestereng is a farm in Løken, Norway. Discontinued 1885 with mail to Madison.
Lonset, MN
Lonset, a post office in Cerro Gordo Twp., Lac qui Parle Co., MN, on the homestead of Arnfinn O. Utheim, from Lønset, Oppdal, Norway. The post office was established 1895 with Christian E. Kittleson as postmaster; he was born in Norway and came to the eastern part of the county in 1893, later being in the mercantile business in Lac qui Parle. Closed 1901 with mail to Lac qui Parle.
Louisburg, MN
Louisburg is a city in Lac qui Parle Co., MN. It was platted 1887 by Ole Thompson and William R. Thomas. Ole Thompson, who owned the land of the townsite, named it for his Norwegian-born father, Louis Thompson, who had settled nearby in 1876. When the post office opened in 1888, the first postmaster was Thomas R. Thompson, son of Ole. Louisburg had a station of the Great Northern Railway. The post office closed 1995. The population was 47 at the 2010 census. Louisburg R.F.D. was established 1903.
Loveid, MN
Loveid, post office in New Maine Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1901 with John S. Rayson as postmaster. Named for Lars Svendsen Loveid who lived here, born 1847 Løveid, Vardal, Oppland, Norway. Discontinued 1905 with mail to Fodvang.
Lund, MN
Lund, post office in Tansem Twp., Clay Co., MN. Established 1879 with Hansom Peterson as postmaster. Named for Ole C. Lund, born 1848 Norway. Closed 1881 with mail to Norwegian Grove.
Lysne, MN
Anderson was the name for a village in Steele Co., MN. Lysne was the name of the post office at Anderson from 1897-1912 and an alternate name for the village itself. Lysne is a variation on Ljøsne/Ljøsno, a large farm in Lærdal from which a number of the Norwegian settlers came. The Lysne, MN post office operated from 1897 with Christoffer Hillestad postmaster and changed name 1912 to Anderson. It had a Chicago and North Western Railway station.
Mandt, MN
Mandt is a township in Chippewa Co., MN. It was first settled in 1969 and was named in honor of Engelbreth T. Mandt, an early settler at whose house the first town meeting was held. He was born 1840 in Norway. Mandt had a rural branch under Montevideo post office from 1905 to 1910.
Meos, MN
Meos, post office in Vineland Twp., Polk Co., MN. Established as Meos 1881 with Stener Knutson as postmaster on the Steenerson farm, he hailed from Meås, Seljord, Norway which gave name to the post office. Name-change to Climax 1888, discontinued 1891, re-established 1894 and still in operation. The city was incorporated 1897; it had a general store, a post office, a flour mill, a bank, a harness shop, and a doctor/veterinarian; when the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad came in 1896, the village moved to the present site, adding a depot, three elevators, a roller mill, a lumberyard, and a stockyard.
Moe, MN
Moe, township in Douglas Co., MN. Twp., settled 1863, established as a township 1867, being at first called Adkinsville. Later the name was changed to Moe, in memory of a district in Norway, from which a number of the pioneers came. The post office was established 1869 with Gunder Johnson as postmaster. It was discontinued 1883, re-established 1895 and finally closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Kensington. NFT 4/2017.
Molde, MN
Molde, post office in Duluth Twp., Saint Louis Co. MN, established 1902 with Halvor Halvorson as postmaster and named for the city of Molde, Norway. The post office closed 1914 with mail to French River.
Movold, MN
Movold was a post office in Polk Co., MN, probably in Rosebud Twp. The post office operated January-April 1884, with Thron Movold as postmaster. He was born 1860 in Idre, Sweden to parents from Tolga, Norway where the Movold name is from.
Myran, MN
Myran was a country post office in Benville Twp., Beltrami Co., MN, which Franz B. Gustafson, postmaster, operated in his general store. Named for Otto Myran, born 1875 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Myran, MN post office was established 1902 and it closed 1910 with mail to Grygla.
Namsos, MN
Namsos, a village in Kimball Twp., Jackson Co., MN. It is named for the town Namsos in Trøndelag, Norway. The Namsos, MN post office was established 1875 with Carl Frovarts as postmaster. Namsos was a station of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. The post office closed 1904, superseded by R.D. from Alpha.
Nansen, MN
Nansen was a country post office in Holden Twp., Goodhue Co., MN. It was named for Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian polar explorer, established 1898 with Ole H. Pynten as postmaster the entire time in the store he built in 1892 on his farm; Pynten died in 1906. The only other industry was a cheese factory opened in 1904, which ceased in 1954. The post office closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Kenyon.
Nass, MN
Nass, a post office in Carpenter Twp., Itasca Co., MN, established 1908 as Celina in St. Louis Co., and moved and changed name 1913 to Nass when John Gilbertson was postmaster (b. 1880 Arnafjord, Sogn, Norway). It was named for Nese which is a village in Arnafjord in Vik Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. Nass, MN is spelled Ness in various literature, but the post office was probably Nass all the time. Discontinued 1938 with mail to Togo.
Naustdal, MN
Naustdal, a post office in Crow River Twp., Stearns Co., MN, established 1885, John J. Turtum was postmaster, steamship agent and constable (born 1859 Norway). The name honors the family of Rasmus Martin Danielsen (1832-1901) who was born in Naustdal, Norway and emigrated 1866 and settled here. Spelling Nausdal is not correct. Discontinued 1891, re-established 1892 and finally closed 1893 with mail to Georgeville.
Neby, MN
Neby was a village in Tynsid Twp., Polk Co., MN. Tynsid Township was organized in 1879, and named after Tynset, Norway. In Norway, Neby is a farm in Tynset, Norway. The Neby, MN post office opened 1881 with Maria Saugstad as postmaster. It closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Climax. NFT 2/2018.
Negord, MN
Negord was a post office in Arctander Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, established 1898 and named for Halvor Negaard, born 1863 in Norway. Hans Hanson was postmaster. The post office was converted 1905 to a rural station of Kerkhoven and was discontinued 1909.
Nelson, MN
Nelson is a city in Douglas Co., MN. Nelson was originally called Dent, after settler Richard Dent, and under this name was founded about 1875. The present name is for Knute Nelson, a prominent citizen and later U.S. Senator from Minnesota. He was born at Vossevangen, Norway, 1842. A post office was established as Dent in 1880, and in 1881 the name was changed to Nelson. It had a station of the Great Northern Railway. Nelson R.F.D. operated from 1905. The post office is still in operation. The population was 187 at the 2010 census. NFT 4/2017.
Nerstrand, MN
Nerstrand is a city in Wheeling Twp., Rice Co., MN, settled in 1855, named by Osmund Osmundson who was born in Norway in 1826, came to the United States in 1850 and to Nerstrand in 1856, built a store in 1877, and in 1883 he platted the town, which was incorporated 1897, naming it after his home of Nedstrand in Tysvær, Norway. Osmundson served as a County commissioner and in the legislature, 1872-73, and died in 1914. The post office began in 1877, with Augen H. Brokke as postmaster in his store. Nerstrand R.F.D. was established 1901. It is still in operation. The population was 295 at the 2010 census. NFT 8/2018, NB 73.
Ness, MN
Ness was a post office in Litchfield Twp., Meeker Co., MN, established 1860 and named for Ole Halvorson Ness who came from Norway in 1856. George Frid was postmaster. It closed 1865.
Newburg, MN / Newburgh, MN / Newburg, MN
Newburg is a community and township in Fillmore Co., MN. Newburg was first settled in 1851, founded and named in 1853 by Hans Valder, a native of Norway, who with others came to this place from LaSalle Co., IL. The Newburg, MN post office was established 1855 with Hans Valder as postmaster, changed to Newburgh 1859 and back to Newburg 1895, discontinued 1902. As of the census of 2000, there were 444 people residing in the township. NFT 2/2017. Newburg, MN is the oldest Minnesota post office with documented name of Norwegian origin.
Newfolden, MN
Newfolden is a railway village and township in Marshall Co., MN. The city was named after Folden in Nordland Co., Norway. The Humboldt, MN post office was established 1884, it changed name to Newfolden in 1897 with Dyre B. Bakke postmaster, and it is still in operation. The population was 368 at the 2010 census.
Nielsville, MN
Nielsville is a city in Polk Co., MN. It was named for Nels O. Paulsrud, who first settled in the area in 1872. Paulsrud came from Norway in 1869, his name originally being Nils Olson; he provided mail service at his home, which was called Old Nielsville after the post office of Nielsville began at the present location in 1883 with Andrew Thompson first postmaster. The village had a station of the Great Northern Railway. The post office is still in operation. The population was 90 at the 2010 census. NFT 2/2018.
Nittedal, MN
Nittedal, village in Wilmington Twp., Houston Co., MN, Upham says it was called Nittidal by settlers who came because of its spring water supply. It seems much more likely that it was named for Nittedal, Norway. The first Norwegian settlers in this township came in 1853, and Nittedal was founded in the 1860s. The post office was established 1890 with Ole K. Haugen as postmaster (b. 1857 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents), changed name to Wilmington 1893, discontinued 1902.
Nora, MN
Nora is a township in Pope Co., MN. The name Nora is reputed to have been derived from Norway, the native country of many of its settlers. The Nora, MN post office was established 1876 with Frederick Calmeyer as first postmaster. Discontinued 1903, superseded by R.D. from Farwell. The population was 207 at the 2000 census.
Norden, MN
Norden was a post office and township in Koochiching Co., MN. It was named for its Norwegian settlers. ‘Norden’ is a Scandinavian term for the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, including their associated territories. The Norden, MN post office opened 1908 with Mary Sorlie postmaster, and it closed 1934 with mail to Washish. Norden also had a station on the Minnesota and International Railway.
Norland, MN (Nordland, MN)
First known locally as Pumpa, so designated by early Norwegian settlers because of the railroad water pump, and then called Upper Yellow Medicine Crossing for its location. It was platted as Nordland village by the Winona and St. Peter Railroad in 1876; located in Eidsvold Twp. When the post office was established in 1878 it was given the name Norland (Nordland is also seen), with railroad section boss Harvey D. Frink, postmaster, at his homestead store on railroad land, located on the left side of the tracks west of Yellow Medicine Creek; when the railroad built its depot on the right side of the tracks and other buildings went up nearby, the post office moved to new postmaster Nils Winther Luth Jaeger's store, and The name changed to Minneota, as suggested by Thomas D. Seals, another storekeeper. Jaeger was born 1841 in Strand, Ryfylke, Norway, came to Minnesota in 1868 and to Lyon Co. in 1874, and was prominent in business for many years. The Minneota p.o. is still in operation.
Norseland, MN
Norseland is a community in Lake Prairie Twp., Nicollet Co., MN. Norwegian immigrants gave it name. It was first organized in 1854 when a small Methodist congregation came. In 1858 a Norwegian Lutheran church was formed, and a community developed with stores, a creamery, and a post office which opened 1865 until superseded by R.D. from Saint Peter 1905. NFT 4/2023.
Northland, MN (1)
Northland is a township in Saint Louis Co., MN. It was named for Norway, the native land of many of its settlers. The Northland, MN post office opened 1892 with John Votvedt (Vaatveit) as postmaster, a Norwegian immigrant who came about 1888. It closed 1908, superseded by R.D. from East Grand Forks. The township population was 169 at the 2010 census. NFT 3/2018.
Northland, MN (2)
Northland, a post office in Saint Louis Co., MN. It was named by its many Norwegian settlers. The Northland, MN post office opened 1910 with Edward J. Cram postmaster, and it closed 1922 with mail to Hibbing.
Norway, MN
Norway was a village and trading centre in Wanamingo Twp., Goodhue Co., MN. The post office opened 1857 with Ole Olson as postmaster. It was discontinued 1902 with mail to Kenyon. The site was never platted, and no traces of the community remain. NFT 3/2016.
Norway Lake, MN
Norway Lake is a township in Monongalia Co. and transferred to Kandiyohi Co. in 1871, MN. The township was organized in 1866 and named for its lake. A large share of the early settlers near the lake being natives of Norway caused the name to be selected. The Norway Lake, MN post office was established 1867 and discontinued 1914, superseded by R.D. from New London. The township population was 284 at the 2000 census. NFT 4/2019.
Norwegian, MN
Norwegian was a post office in South Branch Twp., Watonwan Co., MN, established 1868 with Ole P. Onstad as postmaster. Closed 1873. Norwegeon is probably a misspelling.
Norwegian Grove, MN
Norwegian Grove is a township in Otter Tail Co., MN, it was organised 1873 and settled entirely by people from Norway. The post office took its name from the township and opened 1878 with Haag Back as postmaster. It closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Pelican Rapids.
Odin, MN
Odin is a city and township in Watonwan Co., MN. Odin was the principal god in Norse mythology. The Odin, MN post office opened 1880 with Peter Newgard first postmaster and it is still in operation. The population was 106 at the 2010 census.
Oklee, MN
Oklee is a city in Lambert Twp., Red Lake Co., MN. The city derives its name from Ole K. Lee, the original owner of the town site, born 1859 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Soo Line came in 1909, and the townsite was platted by Tri-State Land Company, who purchased the land from Lee that year. The Oklee, MN post office opened 1912 with Louis Doucet postmaster, and it is still in operation. The population was 435 at the 2010 census.
Olberg, MN
Olberg was a small village in Leon Twp., Clearwater Co., MN. It was named for pioneer settler Anton Olberg from Norway; his son Henry was postmaster when the Olberg, MN post office was established 1901. The post office was superseded 1910 by Clearbrook when the railway was built there.
Oleson, MN
Oleson was a post office in Brush Creek Twp., Faribault Co., MN, established 1896 with Harvey L. Oleson as postmaster in his general store (born 1846 in Norway). Discontinued 1901 with mail to Dell.
Oneland, MN
Oneland is a former name of Ulen in Clay Co., MN. The Ulen, MN post office opened 1884 with Tallak Aaneland postmaster, its name changing to Oneland in 1885 for the postmaster and general store owner, although he sometimes spelled his name Odneland and Onland. In 1887 Ole Christian Melbye became postmaster in his grocery store and the name changed back to Ulen. The Ulen, MN post office is still in operation. The population was 547 at the 2010 census. See Ulen, MN.
Opdahl, MN
Opdahl was a post office in New Maine Twp., Marshall Co., MN. Many of the settlers in this area came from Opdal in Numedal, Norway. The post office was established 1900 and closed 1914 with mail to Newfolden.
Opstead, MN
Opstead is a community in Mille Lacs Co., MN. The community was named for the place of origin of first postmaster John Skretting from Opstad, Jæren, Norway. The Opstead, MN post office was established 1889 and discontinued 1933 with mail to Isle. NFT 5/2020.
Orheim, MN
Orheim, a country post office in Spruce Grove Twp., Beltrami Co., MN. The post office was established 1904 and named for postmaster Rasmus Orheim, born 1870 in Eid, Sogn & Fjordane, Norway. Discontinued 1914 with mail to Grygla.
Oscar, MN
Oscar, township in Otter Tail Co., MN, named for Oscar II, king of Norway from 1872 until 1905 (also king of Sweden until 1907). The post office was established 1889 with John Jacobson as postmaster. It was discontinued 1905, superseded by R.D. from Fergus Falls.
Oscar Lake, MN
Oscar Lake was a post office in Holmes City Twp., Douglas Co., MN. It was named for Oscar I, the king of Norway and Sweden from 1844 to 1859. The Oscar Lake post office operated from 1874 to 1887.
Oslo, MN (1)
Oslo, post office in Freeman Twp., Freeborn Co., MN. It was named for Oslo, which prior to 1925 was the Old Town of Kristiania, the capital of Norway. The post office was established 1874 with Thore Hoff as postmaster. It was discontinued 1875. Knatvold p.o. was located here 1899-1905, see Knatvold, MN. NFT 6/2019.
Oslo, MN (2)
Oslo, post office in Vernon Twp., Dodge Co., MN. It was named for Oslo, which prior to 1925 was the Old Town of Kristiania, the capital of Norway. The post office was established 1879 with Mads Justad Ellingsen as postmaster (from Justad, Lier, Norway). It was superseded by R.D. from Hayfield 1902. NFT 6/2019.
Oslo, MN (3)
Oslo is a city in Marshall Co., MN. It was named for Oslo, which prior to 1925 was the Old Town of Kristiania, the capital of Norway. The post office began as Granville, Polk Co. 1881 and transferred to Oslo 1905, associated with postmaster Andrew J. Hilden, who was born in Norway 1853, moved to the USA in 1869 and to Granville, Polk Co. in 1896, buying the one existing store and taking over the post office in 1897. He moved the store to the present Oslo in 1905 along with the post office. Oslo R.F.D. operated from 1908. The Oslo, MN post office is still in operation. The population was 330 at the 2010 census. NFT 6/2019.
Oye, MN
Oye was a post office in Lyons Twp., Wadena Co., MN. It is a Norwegian name (Øye). Established 1902 with John Olson as postmaster in a store on his land. Discontinued 1908, superseded by R.D. from Verndale.
Oylen, MN
Oylen, a village in Lyons Twp., Wadena Co., MN, established 1906 with Henry J. Trana (born 1855 Sparbu, Norway) as postmaster. Oylen was named for landowner Olson’s father’s home in Norway. It had a station of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The post office was discontinued 1908, superseded by R.D. from Verndale.
Peterson, MN
Peterson is a city in Rushford Twp., Fillmore Co., MN. It is named for Peter Peterson Haslerud, who settled here in 1853. He was born in Norway 1828, came to the US in 1843 and died 1880. The first post office opened 1855, with Knud Peterson postmaster, transferred 1862 to Windom and closed 1865. The current post office opened 1870 with Even A. Hjelle postmaster, and it is still in operation. The city had a station of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Peterson R.F.D. was established 1904. The population was 199 at the 2010 census. NFT 2/2017.
Qual, MN
Qual was a post office in Fossum Twp., Norman Co. MN, established 1901 with Edward Qual as postmaster and named for him (born 1870 Norway). Closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Twin Valley.
Ramstad, MN
Ramstad, a post office in Sanford Twp., Grant Co., MN. The post office started 1873 as Elbow Lake, discontinued 1874, re-established 1876, changed name to Sanford 1883, later same year changed name to Ramstad and 1886 changed to Pikop, 1896 back to Elbow Lake and it is still in operation. Ramstad was named for its postmaster Helge H. Ramstad (born 1851 in Norway) who also had been postmaster at Sanford.
Ranum, MN
Ranum, a village in Bear Park Twp., Norman Co., MN. Named for Ranem, Overhalla, Norway. A post office was established 1900 with Andrew Melhus as postmaster. He was born 1864 at Ranemsletta, Overhalla, Norway. The post office closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Flaming.
Redmyer, MN
Redmyer, a village at Cross River, Cook Co., MN. Named for Henry J. Redmyer, fisherman, boatbuilder, and adventurer, who came from Hammerfest, Norway, about 1880; his son, Hendley E. Redmyer, applied for a post office 1888 and was postmaster; the post office closed 1891 because Lutsen, opened in 1890, was a better location to receive mail. Mr. Redmyer’s Norwegian name was Rødmyr.
Reeser, MN
Reeser, a farming settlement in Tunsberg Twp., Chippewa Co., MN. It was named for the city of Risør, Norway. The post office operated from 1870 with Ole Thorgeson as postmaster. Closed 1880. Spelling Reasor and Reesor are also seen.
Reiner, MN
Reiner, township in Pennington Co, MN, named in compliment for Reinhart Johnsrud, who later was the township treasurer. The post office took its name from the township and opened 1906 with Mr. Johnsrud as postmaster. It moved and changed name to Torgerson 1909, closed 1915. See Torgerson, MN.
Reishus, MN
Reishus, a city in Sacred Heart Twp., Renville Co., MN. Settlement began in the early 1860s with many settlers from Norway. The post office was established 1868 as Minnesota Crossing, named for the ford in the river. The post office changed name to Reishus 1877 with Olaf S. Reishus as postmaster (born 1843 Norway), who continued 1878 when the name changed to Sacred Heart; it had a station of the Hastings and Dakota Railway and Soo Line. Sacreed Heart post office is still in operation.
Rindal, MN
Rindal, a post office in Garden Twp., Polk Co., MN. It was named for Ole Rindal from Fåberg, Norway. The Rindal, MN post office opened 1882 with Bent Anderson first postmaster, and it closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Fertile. Spelling Rindahl was possibly also used.
Ringbo, MN
Ringbo, a village in Holt Twp., Marshall, MN, established 1891 with Iver E. Bjorge as postmaster. It was named for Ringebu, Norway from where many of the area settlers came. The post office closed 1907 with mail to Holt.
Ringville, MN
Ringville, a post office in Burbank Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, established 1886 on postmaster Gunder Iverson Ringen's farm, for whom it was named. Iverson var born 1839 in Norway. Closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Georgeville.
Robbin, MN
Robbin is a community in Teien Twp., Kittson Co., MN. It was named by first postmaster George (Jørgen) C. Teien, a younger brother of Andrew C. Teien who operated the Teien, MN post office also in this Twp. George Teien opened a general store Robbin Store, in Teien Township in 1891, and his application to establish the Robbin post office was approved. Robbin is mis-spelled for the American robin, the songbird. The Robbin, MN post office was established 7 July 1892 and closed 14 Oct 1933 with mail to Drayton. NFT 4/2020.
Rockstad, MN (1)
Rockstad, post office in Rocksbury Twp., Pennington Co., MN, established in Polk Co. 1881 with Martin Rockstad as postmaster at a trading station. He was born in Norway 1847, came from Wisconsin in 1880 and died in 1946 at age 99. The post office changed name 1891 to Thief River Falls and it is still in operation.
Rockstad, MN (2)
Rockstad, a post office in New Folden Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1899 with Jens P. Folden as postmaster. All relevant persons named Rockstad in Marshall Co. or the neighbouring Norman Co., are born in Norway. The post office closed 1907 with mail to Holt.
Roholt, MN
Roholt post office was established 1881 in Polk Co., MN as a supply post office for the western part of the county. Transferred to Norman Co. 1881, probably Shelly Twp. Ole G. Fossos was postmaster. Probably named for Michael Roholt (b. 1855 Norway), an early pioneer who came to this area prior to 1879. Closed 1883 with mail to Nielsville.
Roland, MN
Roland, a village in Equality Twp., Red Lake Co., MN. It was named for landowner A. A. Rolandson, born 1865 in WI to Norwegian immigrant parents. The post office opened 1910 with Otto L. Dahl as postmaster and closed 1917 with mail to Lillo.
Rollag, MN
Rollag is a community in Clay Co., MN. It is named for Rollag municipality in Numedal, Norway. The Rollag, MN post office opened 1880 with Christopher Nelson first postmaster and it closed in 1929 with mail to Hawley. Rollag R.F.D. operated from 1904.
Romsdahl, MN
Romsdahl, a post office in Polk Co., MN. Its location is not found. Named for Romsdal, Norway. It opened 1885 with Inge Skjestad as postmaster and closed 1886.
Rosby, MN
Rosby, a station of the Great Northern and Soo railways and a farm post office in Helga Twp., Hubbard Co., MN. It was named for Ole Rosby, a Norwegian farmer. The Rosby, MN post office opened 1900 with Theodore Jesten postmaster and it closed 1909 with mail to Nary.
Rud, MN
Rud, post office in Norway Twp., Fillmore Co., MN, established 1894 with Syver Sjerven as postmaster (born 1867 Norway). As the township name indicates, this was a very Norwegian area. The Rud p.o. was possibly named for Hans H. Rud, born 1864 in Norway, a prosperous farmer of Arendahl township. Discontinued 1902, superseded by R.D. from Whalen.
Rustad, MN
Rustad, a railway village in Kurtz Twp., Clay Co., MN. It was named in honor of Samuel Rustad, a Norwegian merchant there. The village was originally platted as Kurtz, and its post office was so named, 1891-1907; Rasmus Kirkhorn was the postmaster in his general store, 1891-1929; the post office closed 1954 with mail to Moorhead.
Rusten, MN
Rusten was a country post office in Eddy Twp., Clearwater Co., MN, established 1903 with John Rusten as postmaster and named or him; he was born 1867 in Norway. Discontinued 1906 with mail to Bagley.
Saint Oloff, MN / Saint Olaf, MN
St. Olaf is a township in Otter Tail Co., MN. It was at first called Oxford, but was renamed 1870, in honor of Olaf II Haraldsson (995-1030), later known as St. Olaf, King of Norway 1015-30 who consolidated the kingdom and aided the establishment of Christianity. He is the patron saint of Norway. The post office opened as Saint Oloff 1870 with John Baardson as postmaster, spelling changed 1894 to Saint Olaf, and it closed 1904, superseded by R.D. from Dalton. The township population was 332 at the 2000 census.
Sanwick, MN
Sanwick was a post office in Dewey Twp., Roseau Co., MN, established 1899 with Halver N. Johnson as postmaster and named for Aven Sanwick, Norwegian settler (Even Sandvik?). Discontinued in 1914 with mail to Greenbush.
Scandia, MN (1)
Scandia was a village in Laketown Twp., Carver Co., MN. It was first settled in the mid-1850s, when seven Swedish families arrived. The name is either short for Scandinavia, or it is derived from Skåne, Sweden. The post office opened 1856 with Andrew Bergquist as postmaster. It closed 1866.
Scandia, MN (2)
Scandia, the first permanent settlement and the first post office in Stevens Co., MN, settled in 1866 by Scandinavian families and it became part of Scandia Twp., renamed Framnes Twp. The name is derived from Scandinavia. The post office was established 1867 and closed 1871.
Scandia, MN (3)
Scandia, a village in New Scandia Twp., Washington Co., MN. The first Swedish settler to the state came here in 1850. The name is either short for Scandinavia, or it is derived from Skåne, Sweden. The first post office opened 1878 with Johan M. Jonasson as postmaster and closed 1907, superseded by R.D. from Otisville. The second post office came in 1927 when the Copas p.o., which had been opened 1906, was transferred to and changed name to Scandia. It is still in operation.
Senjen, MN
Senjen was a small community in on Height of Land Lake in Height of Land Twp., Becker Co., MN, the place had a general store and a sawmill. Senjen is the former name of the island Senja in Northern Norway. The Senjen, MN post office opened 1896 with John G. Isackson as postmaster, closing 1918 with mail to Detroit.
Silliards, MN
Silliards, post office in Sandnes Twp., Yellow Medicine Co., MN, established 1872 with store owner Samuel Knutson as postmaster 1872; Silliards was named for Seljord, Norway. Hanley Falls was founded 1884 a mile east of Silliards on the Yellow Medicine River, the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad purchased the land from Svend Knutson (from Seljord, Norway) and the post office was moved into the village in 1884, the name changing to Hanley Falls in 1887, and it is still in operation. NFT 8/2020.
Skime, MN
Skime, a community in Reine Twp., Roseau Co., MN. It was named for Andrew (Andreas) Skime, born 1887 in Minnesota with Norwegian mother and father's parents; he built the first store here in 1910 and sold to Alfred Loken, who opened the post office 1910. The Skime, MN post office was replaced in 1960 by a rural branch until 1964.
Skramstad, MN
Skramstad was a post office in Como Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1904 with Gunder D. Skramstad as postmaster; he was born 1851 in Norway. Discontinued 1906 with mail to Middle River.
Skyberg, MN
Skyberg is a community in Goodhue Co., MN. It was named for Simon O. Skyberg, a Norwegian immigrant, who with Dr. Ole Abelson opened a general store in 1887, Abelson being first postmaster at the store when thes post office opened 1879. Skyberg had a station of the Chicago Great Western Railroad in 1885. The community diminished after the 1920s and the post office was discontinued 1951 with mail to Kenyon. NFT 6/2020.
Sletten, MN
Sletten is a township in Polk Co., MN. It was named for Paul C. Sletten, a land agent, born 1841 in Norway. The Sletten, MN post office was established 1884 with Julius Nelson as postmaster. It was discontinued in 1891, re-established 1896 and superseded 1904 by R.F. from Fosston. The township population was 140 at the 2000 census. NFT 3/2018.
Sogn, MN
Sogn, a village in Warsaw Twp., Goodhue Co., MN, was named for the Sogn district in Norway. The post office opened 1892 in the home of Ole Underdahl with Ola A. Tveitmoe as postmaster. John Underdahl built a store in 1893; a hotel, a blacksmith, and cheese factory also were built. The post office closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Dennison. NFT 3/2016.
Soland, MN
Soland was a post office in Amherst Twp., Fillmore Co., MN, established 1890 and located in postmaster Gilbert T. Soland's general store. Mr. Soland was born 1859 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents, and the post office was named for him. Closed 1902, superseded by R.D. from Lanesboro.
Solem, MN
Solem, township in Nicollet Co., MN, settled in 1866 and established as a township 1870. The township takes its name from Soleim, Naustdal, Førde, Sogn & Fjordane, from which place many of the pioneers came. The post office opened 1895 with Bertel Karstad as postmaster. Closed 1898 with mail to Brighton.
Sorliens Mill, MN
Sorliens Mill in Minnesota Falls Twp., Yellow Medicine Co., MN was a hamlet of much business in the pioneer days, had a gristmill and post office on the Yellow Medicine River. The Sorlien brothers (born in Norway) erected the mill in 1872. The post office was established 1879 with Ellef H. Sorlien as postmaster at his mill until the post office was discontinued in 1896 with mail to Yellow Medicine.
Sorum, MN
Sorum, a post office in East Valley Twp., Marshall Co., MN, located on the east side of Thief River on the H. M. Olson farm. Named for Sørum, Norway. The post office was established 1901 with Pehr August Risberg as postmaster. Discontinued 1908, superseded by R.D. from Thief River Falls.
Soude, MN
Soude, post office in Albin Twp., Brown Co., MN, established 1877, defunct January-May 1880 and discontinued 1882 with mail to Sleepy Eye. It was named for Sauherad, Norway by postmaster Aslak Sigurdson, born 1852 at Nordre Lindheim, Sauherad, Norway. He immigrated c. 1865 with parents and siblings.
Stavanger, MN
Stavanger was a post office in Ree Twp. (later Normania), Yellow Medicine Co., MN, named from the city of Stavanger, Norway. The post office was established 1870 with Ole O. Lende as postmaster, born in Norway 1839; he came to the United States in 1860 and to Yellow Medicine Co. in 1866, settling on a farm in section 25; was elected country treasurer in 1875 and moved to Granite Falls for ten years; he held a number of other positions, including state senate, 1886-90, and state house, 1892-94. Discontinued 1903, superseded by R.D. from Cottonwood. Den Blaa Hawaii January 2019.
Steen, MN
Steen is a city in Clinton Twp., Rock Co., MN. Steen was platted in 1888 and named for brothers John P. Steen and Ole P. Steen, Norwegian homesteaders of its site and an adjoining quarter section and gave land for the townsite. The community was settled primarily by German immigrants; it was called Virginia for a number of years, a name given to its railway station. Its post office was established as Steen in 1888, with Christian Clemmetson as first postmaster in his furniture store. The population was 180 at the 2010 census. The Steen, MN post office closed 2011. Steen R.F.D. operated from 1904.
Stod, MN
Stod, a post office in Trondhjem Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN, established 1888 with John O. Ferguson as postmaster (born 1868 in Minnesota to Norwegian immigrant parents). The area was dominated by Norwegian settlers. The post office was probably named for the former municipality of Stod near Steinkjer, Norway. Discontinued 1906, superseded by R.D. from Pelican Rapids.
Storden, MN
Storden is a city and township in Cottonwood Co., MN. The town was known as Westbrook until 1872, and then named Town of Norsk for its many Norwegian pioneers but later was renamed in honor of its first settler, Nels Storden, an immigrant from Norway. The city of Storden was platted 1903 and was incorporated as a village in 1921. The post office was begun in 1875 with Ole Christopherson postmaster on his farm. The Storden, MN post office opened 1875, moved in 1903 to Copenhagen, located one mile north and west of Storden; eventually Copenhagen was absorbed into Storden; it had a station of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad. The post office is still in operation. The population was 219 at the 2010 census. Storden R.F.D. operated from 1905.
Strand, MN
Strand, a township in Norman Co., MN, organized in 1880, was so named by the Norwegian settlers because its poplar groves bordering the beaches of the Glacial Lake Agassiz, seen at a long distance from the vast prairie of the Red River valley, resembled an ocean strand or shore. The post office opened 1882 with Tron Rishoff as postmaster at his general store; he came to the United States from Norway in 1869 and to the Co. in 1880. A small village grew up around the store, but the post office closed 1899 with mail to Gary.
Sunburgh, MN / Sunburg, MN
Sunburgh, MN / Sunburg, MN Sunburg is a city in Norway Lake Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN. The post office was established 1871 as Sunburgh with Ole Eliasen as postmaster, changing to the present form in 1894; the name was suggested by John Sandvigen, a rural mail carrier, firstly for a locality in Norway, secondly for a strait between two lakes near postmaster Ole Eliason's home, "sund" meaning "strait" in Norwegian. The post office is still in operation.
Sundahl, MN
Sundahl, township in Norman Co., MN was organized in 1880 and received its name from Sunndal municipality, Norway. The post office was established 1882 with Jacob E. Eid as postmaster, and it closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Flaming.
Sverdrup, MN (1)
Sverdrup was a post office in Lac-qui-Parle Co., MN, probably in Baxter Twp. Established 1881 with John T. Erickson as postmaster. It was named for Johan Sverdrup (Norwegian statesman) or a relative who emigrated. Closed 1882 with mail to Laq-qui-Parle.
Sverdrup, MN (2)
Sverdrup, post office in Lyon Co., MN, probably in Island Lake Twp. Established 1883 with Kittle Furgeson as postmaster (born 1823 Norway). It was named for Johan Sverdrup (Norwegian statesman) or a relative who emigrated. Closed 1888 with mail to Pennington.
Sverre, MN
Sverre, post office in Elizabeth Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN, established 1900 with Lars Svensgaard as postmaster (b. 1829 Norway). He named the post office for his son Sverre, born 1877. Sverre R Svensgaard was appointed postmaster of Jean, WA in 1906. The Sverre, MN post office closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Erhard. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian.
Swenoda, MN
Swenoda, township in Swift Co., MN, first settled in 1869, organized 1873, has a composite name, in compliment to its Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish settlers. The post office opened 1877 with Ole H Lunenstad as postmaster. It closed 1901 with mail to Benson.
Synnes, MN
Synnes township in Stevens Co., MN, organized 1880, was named for settler Arnt P. Synnes (born 1824 Kolvereid, Norway). The post office was established 1892 with Ole E. Loftus as postmaster, and it closed 1899 with mail to Medina.
Syre, MN
Syre is a community in Home Lake Twp., Norman Co., MN. It was named for homesteader Swen Syre, born 1834 in Norway as Sven Sire. The Syre, MN post office opened 1891 with Carl Berg first postmaster. The site also had a general store, an elevator, a creamery, a lumberyard, and station of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The post office closed 1936 with mail to Twin Valley.
Tansem, MN
Tansem, township in Clay Co., MN, earlier named Lund, was named for John O. Tansem, one of its pioneer farmers, a highly respected citizen. He was born in Eidsvold, Norway, in 1842, came to the United States in 1861, and settled here in 1862. A post office was established 1883 with Erick Olson Sneve as postmaster. Discontinued 1894, re-established 1897, discontinued 1901, re-established 1902 and finally closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Barnesville.
Teien, MN
Teien, a post office in, Teien Twp., Kittson Co., MN. It was named for Andrew (Andreas) Christensen Teien who was born 1857 in Sande, Vestfold, Norway. The Teien, MN post office opened 1886 with the Swedish immigrant Augusta Westman as postmaster. It closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Drayton. Andrew Teien’s younger brother, George C. Teien operated the Robbin, MN post office, also in Teien Twp. NFT 4/2020.
Thoe, MN
Thoe, a farming community with a post office in Vernon Twp., Dodge Co., MN, established 1881 with Stewert Olson as postmaster and named for To, Evanger, Norway. Discontinued 1886 with mail to Oslo.
Thor, MN
Thor, a Norwegian community in Lee and Glen Twps., Aitkin Co., MN. It was probably named for the Norse god Thor. The post office was established 1904 with Jonas Fredrickson as postmaster (born 1853/1854 Sweden). Discontinued 1937 with mail to Aitkin.
Thorpe, MN
Thorpe, a village in East Lake Lillian Twp., Kandiyohi Co., MN, named for Lars Olson Thorpe, a banker who was born in 1847 in Norway, came to Minnesota in 1865, served as county register of deeds, 1874-81, was state senator, 1895-97 and 1903-9, and died in 1921. The village had a creamery, built in 1896, a station of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad in section 13, and a post office which opened 1898 with Othilie P. Owre as postmaster (born Norway 1832). Closed 1906, superseded by R.D. from Atwater.
Thorsborg, MN
Thorsborg, a post office in Sanford Twp., Grant Co., MN. The post office was established 1888 with Thomas E. Lajord as postmaster (b. 1842 Vang, Norway, he had settled here in 1863). Thorsborg had a station of the Great Northern Railway, and the station was probably named by the railway company, possibly for the Norse god Thor? The p.o. closed 1900 with mail to Elbow Lake.
Thorwick, MN
Thorwick was a community in Agder Twp., Marshall Co., Minnesota. It was named for first postmaster Marie Thorwick, born approx. 1861. Thorwick (Torvik) was her husband's name, from Eid, Norway. The Thorwick, MN post office opened 1896 and in 1909 it changed name to Agder (See Agder, MN).
Thoten, MN
Thoten, a post office in Belvidere Twp., Goodhue Co., MN. The post office was established 1878 as Belvidere, changed name later same year to Thoten with Anton N. Jensen as postmaster. It served a Norwegian community in the township and was named for Toten, Norway. New name-change 1883 to Bellechester and closed 1917.
Throndheim, MN
Throndheim was a post office in Trondhjem Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN. It drew its name from the township which was named for the city of Trondheim, Norway. The post office opened 1878 with Torsten Nelson as postmaster. It closed already the year after.
Tofte, MN
Tofte is a community and township in Cook Co., Minnesota. It is named after settlers having this surname, derived from their former home in the district of Bergen, Norway. John Tofte, his twin brother, Andrew, and brothers Torger and Hans O. Engelsen came in 1893. The Tofte, MN post office opened 1897 with Hans Engelsen as postmaster. Edward Toftey came in 1899, opening the first mill and employing over 25 men. Most of the town was destroyed in a forest fire in 1910 and rebuilt. The post office is still in operation.
Tordenskjold, MN
Tordenskjold is a township in Otter Tail Co., MN. The name is after Vice-Admiral Peter Tordenskjold, born in Trondheim, Norway, a Danish-Norwegian naval hero during the Great Northern War. The Tordenskjold, MN post office opened 1870 with Kelmer Hoff as postmaster. It closed in 1904, superseded by R.D. from Dalton. The population was 550 at the 2000 census. NFT 1/2016.
Torfin, MN
Torfin, a community in Palmville Twp., Roseau Co., Minnesota. It was named in honor of Iver Torfin, postmaster, and pioneer farmer. Torfin was born in 1863 in Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Torfin, MN post office operated from 1907 until closing 1914 with mail to Wannaska. NB 110.
Torgerson, MN
Torgerson, post office in Reiner Twp., Pennington Co., Minnesota. It was named for Michael (Mikkel) Torgerson, a homestead farmer, who was the first clerk of this Twp. The Reiner, MN post office (established 1906), changed name to Torgerson in 1909 with Michael T. Torgerson postmaster; it closed 1915 with mail to Goodridge. See Reiner, MN.
Trondjem, MN
Trondjem was a community of Webster Twp., Rice Co., MN which flourished in the late 1860s to early 1900s; it had a post office, three stores, a creamery, and a blacksmith. It was named for the city of Trondheim, Norway. The post office opened 1889 with Peter Andersen as postmaster, and it closed 1905, superseded by R.D. from Lonsdale. NFT 6/2019.
Tronnes, MN
Tronnes was a a community in Pliny Twp., Aitkin Co., Minnesota. It was named for the home in Norway of Peter and Grace Anderson, who came to the area about 1900, and operated the post office in their house from 1901 until it closed 1910 with mail to Seavey.
Tweet, MN
Tweet was a post office in Norden Twp., Pennington Co., MN, named for Jacob Tweet, who came from Norway in 1888, settling on a farm seven miles west of Thief River Falls. The post office was established 1887 with Justus L. Johnson as postmaster 1887-89, at which time Ole J. Tweet, son of Jacob, was appointed postmaster, operating the office in his home, which had a general store and a creamery station. A log school across the road was established for Norwegian-speaking children of the area. The post office was discontinued 1906, superseded by R.D. from Thief River Falls.
Ulen, MN
Ulen is a city in Clay Co., MN. Named for Ole Ulen, its first settler, born in Norway 1818, came to the USA in 1851 and to this Co. in 1872. The Ulen, MN post office opened 1884 with Tallak Aaneland postmaster, its name changing to Oneland in 1885 for the postmaster and general store owner, although it was sometimes spelled Odneland and Onland. In 1887 Ole Christian Melbye became postmaster in his grocery store and The name changed back to Ulen. The Ulen, MN post office is still in operation. The population was 547 at the 2010 census. Ulen R.F.D. opened 1903. See Oneland, MN.
Urness, MN
Urness is a township in Douglas Co., MN. Urness Township was first settled in 1862-63, established as a Township called Red Rock in 1869. In 1871, the name was changed to Urness, in memory of a certain district in Norway. Two of its pioneer farmers, Andrew J. and Ole J. Urness, coming in 1865, were immigrants from that district. Newton Olson was first postmaster. The village of Urness had two stores, a creamery, and the Good Templers Hall; the post office opened 1877 in the home of the postmaster. It closed 1904, superseded by R.D. from Brandon. The township population was 266 at the 2000 census.
Vaaler, MN
Vaaler, a Norwegian settlement in Riverside Twp., Lac-qui-Parle Twp., MN, which had a Norwegian Lutheran church, a school, and a post office that opened 1878 with farmer John Olsen as postmaster; exporting wheat was the main industry. It was named for Våler, Norway. The post office closed 1884 with mail to Dawson.
Verdal, MN
Verdal, a post office on the border of Belmont Twp. and Christiania Twp., Jackson Co., MN, established 1883 with Hans Clausson Sether as postmaster, born c. 1854 at Sæther, Verdal, Norway; he came to the United States in 1868, and established a homestead in Belmont Twp. The post office was discontinued 1888 with mail to Brownsburgh.
Viking, MN
Viking is a city in Marshall Co., MN. The city was named after the Norse Vikings by Rev. Hans P. Hansen, a Norwegian Lutheran pastor in Warren, MN. The Viking, MN post office opened 1890 with Tobias Hanson first postmaster and it is still in operation. The community developed with the railroad; there were three elevators and a number of small businesses. The population was 104 at the 2010 census.
Vineland, MN (1)
Vineland, a post office in Sandnes Twp., Yellow Medicine Co., MN. The Vineland p.o. was established 1873 with O. S. Reishus as postmaster (born 1843 Flatdal, Norway). The township was almost exclusively Norwegian, and it is reasonable to believe that the post office was named for the Norse Vinland. The p.o. changed name and moved 3 miles southeast to Cottonwood, Lyon Co. in 1888.
Vineland, MN (2)
Vineland is a community in Mille Lacs Co., MN. The community was named for the early Norse settlement of Vinland. The Vineland, MN post office opened 1891 with David H. Robbins first postmaster. Name-change to Wigwam Bay from 1921 and discontinued 1929. The population was 1,001 at the 2010 census.
Vogen, MN
Vogen, village in Rushford Twp., Fillmore Co., MN, named for farmer Asmund Vaagen, b. 1860 Norway, came to the U.S. 1883 and to Fillmore Co. 1886. The post office was established 1892 with Ole Petterson as postmaster. Closed 1895 with mail to Rushford.
Voss, MN
Voss, a small Norwegian community in Atlanta Twp., Becker Co., MN. The post office was established 1896 with Elina Gunderson as postmaster (born c.1858 in Wisconsin to Norwegian immigrant parents). Discontinued 1907.
Wangs, MN
Wangs, a trading centre in Warsaw Twp., Goodhue Co., MN. This was a Norwegian community; the name is from the Norwegian place-name Vang. The post office was established 1876 with Even J. Evenson as postmaster. Discontinued 1901, superseded by R.D. from Dennison. In addition to the post office, Wangs had a store, a blacksmith, a shoe shop and a creamery built in 1893; little remains of the community.
Wegdahl, MN
Wegdahl is a community in Chippewa Co., MN. The village began as Myers for the Myers Creamery but was changed to Wegdahl when the post office was established in 1871 at postmaster Hemming Arntzen Weghdahl's general store, where it remained until discontinued in 1957, becoming a rural station of Montevideo until 1959. Hemming Wegdahl was born in Stjørdal, Norway and came to the United States in 1867.
Weggeland, MN
Weggeland, a post office in Friberg Twp., Otter Tail Co., MN, established 1897 with Herman O. Shol as postmaster. The post office was named for Veggeland, Fjotland, Norway, and was discontinued 1909, superseded by R.D. from Fergus Falls.
Weme, MN
Weme, a hamlet in Eddy Twp., Clearwater Co., Minnesota. It was named for merchant and postmaster Hans O. Weme, born in Wisconsin 1868 to Norwegian immigrant parents. The Weme, MN post office was established 1902 and was discontinued 1912 with mail to Clearbrook.
Wig, MN
Wig, a post office in Bygland Twp., Polk Co., MN. It was named by Norwegian settlers, possibly for its location on the red River; Norwegian “Vig” means “Bay”. The post office opened 1889 with August S. Thompson as postmaster. Discontinued 1900, re-established 1902 and finally closed 1903, superseded by R.D. from Fisher. NFT 3/2018.
Winger, MN
Winger is a city in Polk Co., MN. It was named by Norwegian settlers for Vinger, Gudbrandsdalen in central Norway. The city of Winger was platted by the Soo Line in 1905 and was incorporated as a village 1921; it began with a general store built by Ingebret Messelt in 1885, where he also was first postmaster when the post office was established in 1886. The Winger, MN post office is still in operation. The population was 220 at the 2010 census. NFT 3/2018.
Winsor, MN
Winsor is a township in Clearwater Co., Minnesota. Winsor was named for storeowner and first postmaster Hans C. Widness, an early settler and native of Norway. His daughter, Stella, was the first white child born there in 1897. The Winsor, MN post office opened 1896. Several other stores, a hotel, a school, and three sawmills were built; the demise of the community came in 1910 when the Soo Line was built through Gonvick. The post office closed 1910 with mail to Berner. The township population was 146 at the 2000 census. NFT 7/2023.
Wrodahl, MN
Wrodahl, a farm post office in Morken Twp., Clay Co., MN. The post office was established 1881 and named by its postmaster Torgrim O. Morken, born 1847 in Norway, probably for Vrådal, Kviteseid, Norway. It closed 1882 with mail to Moorehead.
Not confirmed: Anton, MN
Anton, a post office in Smiley Twp., Red Lake Co./Pennington Co., MN, established 1904 in postmaster Peter O. Berg’s general store (b. 1862 Iowa to Norwegian immigrant parents). The post office location was in Red Lake Co. during its operation, and Smiley Twp. was transferred from Red Lake Co. to Pennington Co. in 1910. Discontinued 1910 with mail to Kratka.
Not confirmed: Farris, MN
Farris is a railway village of the Great Northern Railway and Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (Soo Line) in Farden Twp., Hubbard Co., MN. The post office was established 1897 as Graceland, changed name 1898 to Farris, Fred A. Silver being postmaster under both names. Farden Township was named for Norwegian homesteader Ole J. Farden (1857-1916), and possibly the Farris railway station was named for Farden? The post office closed 1915 with mail to Cass Lake.
Not confirmed: Firman, MN
Firman, a post office in Woodrow Twp., Beltrami Co., MN, established 1904 with Halvor Grunt as postmaster (b. 1842 Norway). Discontinued 1912 with mail to Kelliher. Named for a person? Alternatively named for fir trees which are abundant in Minnesota?
Not confirmed: Holter, MN
Holter, a post office in Mesaba Twp., Saint Louis Co., MN and a Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railroad station. The post office was established 1908 with Emma Herrmann as postmaster. Closed 1911 with mail to Mesaba.
Not confirmed: Juvik, MN
Juvik, a farmers’ post office in Comstock Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1897 with Lars O. Dahlin as postmaster (1854-1923 from Sweden). Could be named for Juvik / Djubvik / Dybevik in Sogn & Fjordane. Closed 1907 with mail to Elmbo. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian. Can’t find any Juvik or Juvig in FamilySearch. No landowners with this name here 1909.
Liner, MN
Liner, post office in Valley Twp., Marshall Co., MN, established 1899 in the store on postmaster Ole H. Langlie's farm (born 1866 Kviteseid, Norway). He became postmaster 1905 at Brunkeberg in Red Lake Co. Closed 1910 with mail to Grygla.
Not confirmed: Moland, MN
Moland, a post office in Richland Twp., Rice Co., MN, established 1882 with blacksmith Peter Lund as postmaster (b. 1849 Norway). Discontinued 1905. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian. Peter Lund was blacksmith and lived in Merton, Steele in 1880. See Urland, MN. Location southeast in Richland Twp., Rice Co., nearly on the border to northeast in Merton Twp., Steele Co. No homesteaders with name Moland or Mo/Moe in 1900. Possibly Peter Lund came from Moland, Norway?
Not confirmed: Solie, MN
Solie, a post office in Numedal Twp., Pennington Co., MN, established 1884 with John W. Bugge as postmaster (b. 1839 at Bogge, Nesset, Møre&Romsdal, Norway). Numedal Twp. was transferred from Polk Co. to Red Lake Co. in 1896 and to Pennington Co. in 1910. Solie is a descriptive name, Solli in Norwegian is sloping, grassy terrain with sunshine. The post office closed 1886 with mail to Saint Hilaire. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian.
Not confirmed: Strand, MN
Strand, a post office in Scandia Valley Twp., Morrison Co., MN, established 1903 with Thomas Pederson as postmaster. Closed 1907 with mail to Rail Prairie. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian.
Not confirmed: Sundby, MN
Sundby, a post office in Solway Twp., Saint Louis Co., MN, established 1902 with Victor Johnson as postmaster. Sundby had a station of the Great Northern Railway. Closed 1915. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian.
Not confirmed: Theodore, MN
Theodore, a post office in Queen Twp., Polk Co., MN. 1903-1917. First postmaster Oscar S. Arneson. Ulvestad (1906) says it is Norwegian.
Not confirmed: Urland, MN
Urland, a post office in Rice Co., MN, probably in Richland Twp. Established 1878 with Nils N. Kvernodden as postmaster (b. 1850 in Wisconsin to Norwegian immigration parents). Closed 1879. See Moland, MN. Ulvestad (1906) says the place name is Norwegian.

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