Establishment of New Sweden on March 29, 1638

On March 29, 1638, Swedish settlers established the first permanent European settlement in what is now the state of Delaware, forming the colony of New Sweden. This marked the advent of Swedish and Finnish influence in North America, as settlers aimed to expand Swedish trading interests and establish a foothold in the lucrative New World.

Context and Motivation

The establishment of New Sweden was motivated by the broader European struggles for colonial dominance in the 17th century. Sweden, under the rule of King Gustavus Adolphus and later his daughter Queen Christina, sought to expand its influence beyond the Baltic region. Inspired by the economic successes of other European powers in the New World, the Swedes saw an opportunity to enter the Atlantic trade and benefit from the resources and opportunities found in North America.

Key Figures

• Peter Minuit: A key figure in the founding of New Sweden, Minuit had previously served as director of the Dutch colony of New Netherland and was instrumental in the purchase of Manhattan. He led the Swedish expedition to establish the new colony along the Delaware River.

The Expedition and Settlement

The expedition set sail from Sweden in late 1637, aboard two ships: the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip. The settlers were primarily Swedes and Finns, with a smaller number of Dutch and Germans, reflecting the diversity within the Swedish Empire at the time.

Upon reaching the Delaware River, the settlers purchased land from the Lenape Native Americans. They selected a site near present-day Wilmington, Delaware, and constructed Fort Christina, named after the reigning queen of Sweden at the time.

Settlement and Growth

The colony of New Sweden expanded modestly over the years, attracting additional settlers. It relied on a combination of agriculture, trade with Native Americans, and commerce with European markets to sustain itself. Despite its small size, New Sweden played a crucial role in the early European colonization of the mid-Atlantic region.

Aftermath

Though it was a small and relatively isolated colony, New Sweden had a lasting cultural impact, particularly due to the architecture, agricultural practices, and the introduction of the log cabin to America. However, the colony’s independence was short-lived; in 1655, New Sweden was absorbed by the neighboring Dutch colony of New Netherland, effectively ending Swedish rule in the region.

Despite its brief operation, New Sweden is notable for its contribution to the tapestry of European settlements in North America and its influence on the regional development of what would become the United States.