Finns in Wisconsin

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Mark Knipping

Learn the full history of Finnish settlement in Wisconsin, from the large concentrations of Finns in the north to the smaller “Little Finlands” established in other areas of the state.

72 pages, 6 x 9, 29 b&w photos
Paperback: $9.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-390-9
Ebook: $4.99 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-532-3
Publication Date: 5/2/2008

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Front cover of Finns in Wisconsin (Revised and Expanded Edition)

Description

From mining to logging to farming, Finns played an important role in the early growth of the state of Wisconsin. Although their immigration came later than that of most other groups, their contributions proved just as significant. Finns in Wisconsin shares, in rich detail, the stories of resourceful immigrants who overcame hardship and uncertainty traveling to a new country and found strength while adapting to a new culture and building new lives.

Many Finns who came to Wisconsin, unable to own land at home, hoped to establish themselves as small independent farmers in the new land. They settled mainly in northern Wisconsin, due to jobs and land available there, but they also built smaller "Little Finland" communities in other areas across the state. Finns pride themselves for their sisu, a Finnish term which, roughly translated, means fortitude or perseverance, especially in the face of adversity. They needed their strength of character to help them face the difficult task of establishing a new life in a new land.

Part of the People of Wisconsin series, this book illuminate the many ways that immigrants have shaped our state. Learn about the values and ideas Finnish people brought with them from Europe and explore their myriad contributions to the culture, economy, and politics of their new home.

Author Bio

Mark Knipping is a dedicated historian with deep roots in Wisconsin’s heritage. He earned his Master’s degree in American History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and began his career at the Wisconsin Historical Society in 1971. In his role as Chief of Research and Interpretation at Old World Wisconsin, he played a key role in planning and developing the expansive living history museum. Knipping lives in Kohler, Wisconsin.