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New Sweden on the Delaware, 1638-1655
When the tiny Kalmar Nyckel set sail from Gothenburg, Sweden in November of 1637, it marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the Middle Atlantic region. New Sweden on the Delaware documents the results of that voyage, the settlements of Swedish immigrants, and the fascinating details of the two decades that followed. Dr. Weslager not only describes the interactions of the Lenni Lenape, Swedish and Dutch settlers during this pivotal period of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania history; he also offers a charming account, through the eys of a grandfather and grandson, of present-day places to visit that remind us of centuries past.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
219 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1988
About the author
C.A. Weslager
39 books3 followersThe late Dr. Clinton A. Weslager was a History Professor Emeritus of Brandywine College of Widener University and was nationally known for his 24 books dealing with the early history of the Delaware valley, including Indian, Dutch, Swedish and English occupations.
Known for his engaging writing style, Dr. Weslager was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction, and the DAR History Medal. He received two citations from the American Association of State and Local History, and was elected a Fellow of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey.
Known for his engaging writing style, Dr. Weslager was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction, and the DAR History Medal. He received two citations from the American Association of State and Local History, and was elected a Fellow of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 24, 2013
About 1996 I purchased this book at the New Sweden Farmstead in Bridgeton, NJ. Since I teach about this history, I thought it would be valuable to read about it. It took me all these years to read it. I think I was going to be bored by reading it; I wasn't. I'm not a history buff, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I learned so much.
Up until this book, I had been confused by the inter-mixing of Swedes and Finns in the area. I knew of the New Sweden colony, but what about the Finns. Well, the Finns came over with the Swedes. They had been exiled in Sweden. Those who broke laws (such as burning down trees to clear an area for a homestead) were relegated to the hard life in the New World.
It was interesting to learn that New Sweden never amassed more than several hundred citizens. It was fraught with troubles throughout its history. One learns about the delicate politics of trading with the English to the south, but not to the north. There were other indians in the area othr than the Lenape. As a matter of fact, the Lenape were not well respected among the Swedes.
This book rounded out a lot of the things our curriculum glosses over. I see how Stuyvesant was vindictive but compassionate. When we teach about the governor of New Amsterdam, we always approach it from his fighting off the English. After reading this, we see New Sweden and the indians were problematic for him as well.
What is still not clear to me is the settlement of Swedes in what is now New Jersey (where I live). New Sweden encompassed all the land from Cape May north to past Pennsville, although perhaps not Pennsville itself given the Dutch fort in the area. Anyhow, Weslager only passingly in the end mentioned Swedes having actually lived here. It sounds as though many of the Swedes migrated once New Sweden fell. But then we heard that it was in New Jersey that the New Sweden governors conferred with the Lenape to work out the treaties. This is an area I would like to explore further from here.
I very much enjoyed the read!
Up until this book, I had been confused by the inter-mixing of Swedes and Finns in the area. I knew of the New Sweden colony, but what about the Finns. Well, the Finns came over with the Swedes. They had been exiled in Sweden. Those who broke laws (such as burning down trees to clear an area for a homestead) were relegated to the hard life in the New World.
It was interesting to learn that New Sweden never amassed more than several hundred citizens. It was fraught with troubles throughout its history. One learns about the delicate politics of trading with the English to the south, but not to the north. There were other indians in the area othr than the Lenape. As a matter of fact, the Lenape were not well respected among the Swedes.
This book rounded out a lot of the things our curriculum glosses over. I see how Stuyvesant was vindictive but compassionate. When we teach about the governor of New Amsterdam, we always approach it from his fighting off the English. After reading this, we see New Sweden and the indians were problematic for him as well.
What is still not clear to me is the settlement of Swedes in what is now New Jersey (where I live). New Sweden encompassed all the land from Cape May north to past Pennsville, although perhaps not Pennsville itself given the Dutch fort in the area. Anyhow, Weslager only passingly in the end mentioned Swedes having actually lived here. It sounds as though many of the Swedes migrated once New Sweden fell. But then we heard that it was in New Jersey that the New Sweden governors conferred with the Lenape to work out the treaties. This is an area I would like to explore further from here.
I very much enjoyed the read!
November 2, 2012
A good condensed version of other historical works on New Sweden (although there aren't many). Nothing new here except for some good artwork. This is a good read for someone who wants to know a little about the colony but does not plan on going further into the historical study of New Sweden.
May 9, 2020
As someone who has ancestors who helped settle New Sweden, this book was a gem. It was like a trip to a older relatives: where we listened to thier stories. The book isn't perfect, and that's ok.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews