REBECCA MISTEREGGEN: Minnesota was once the beating heart of Norwegian America.

Minnesota was once the beating heart of Norwegian America.

Waves of farmers and pastors settled there in the 19th century, building churches, schools and communities that made the state the most “Norwegian” in the entire United States.

At one point, more than a third of its… https://t.co/f9V8PG5sGo

— Rebecca Mistereggen (@RMistereggen) September 21, 2025

Minnesota was once the beating heart of Norwegian America. Waves of farmers and pastors settled there in the 19th century, building churches, schools and communities that made the state the most “Norwegian” in the entire United States. At one point, more than a third of its population had Norwegian blood in their veins, and the very name “Minnesota” became synonymous with Lutheran faith, hard work and perseverance. Today, Minneapolis is called “Little Mogadishu.” The state that once stood as a stronghold of Norwegian Christianity and work ethic is now best known for hosting America’s largest Somali and Muslim population. The contrast could not be more stark: from Norwegians who built the land, to clan structures and parallel societies imported from Africa. Minnesota has become a living illustration of what happens when demographics change radically: one culture and identity is erased and another takes its place, often with entirely different values.