New Sweden: the US's long-lost 'secret' colony
6 hours ago
- #Swedish-heritage
- #colonial-era
- #history
- New Sweden was a secret Swedish colony in the Delaware Valley from 1638-1655, now largely forgotten.
- It introduced log cabins and Lutheran Christianity to America, and maintained peaceful relations with Native tribes.
- The colony was founded by Peter Minuit as a covert trade venture but was later absorbed by New Netherland in 1655.
- Remnants like flags, churches, and museums in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware preserve its legacy today.