Ecclesia Plantanda Swedishness in Colonial America

The history of Swedishness in colonial America began in 1638 with the foundation of the New Sweden colony on the Delaware River. In 1655, the colony was conquered by the Dutch, who in turn lost it to the English in 1664, but the Swedish settlers remained, their religious freedom being granted in the terms of surrender. By the end of the 17th century the Swedish community in America counted more than 1,000 souls. When put under pressure from newly arrived settlers of various ethnic and religious ...