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The Founding of the Icelandic Settlement in Dakota

Updated: Sep 22, 2022

On the 12th of March, 1882, Séra Páll Þorláksson (Pastor Pall Thorlakson), the Father of the Icelandic Settlement in Dakota, died from tuberculosis. He was dearly beloved by his supporters and was one of the most controversial of the early Icelandic pioneers to North America.


The Icelandic Roots team has created an interesting webinar filled with many photos from Pall‘s life and the Dakota Settlement. Included is the full dictation regarding the settlement, which he spoke from his deathbed on the 11th of February, 1882 (North Dakota didn't become a state until November 2, 1889). Additional information and photos about the settlement are also included. The Icelandic community of northeast North Dakota continues to celebrate and honor the Icelandic heritage today with an annual celebration.


In this webinar, we focus on the short life of this important leader and his dictated words to show the historical, sociological, and cultural significance of Séra Páll‘s contribution to our shared Icelandic story.


The webinar is in the English language. The presenters, Will Beaton and Sunna Olafson Furstenau, are both North Dakota natives. Watch the video recording.



Please see more information below this slide.

North Dakota Icelandic Settlement area and Pall Thorlakson
The Founding of the Icelandic Settlement in Dakota

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