Did you know that at the turn of the 20th century, Chicago was home to the second-largest Swedish population in the world, trailing only Stockholm? Yes, you heard that right! The Windy City wasn’t just about skyscrapers and jazz—it was also buzzing with Swedish culture, language, and tradition. Swedish immigration to Chicago began in earnest in the late 19th century. Drawn by opportunities in construction, industry, and commerce, Swedes settled in neighbourhoods like Andersonville, which still retains its Scandinavian charm today. You could stroll down Clark Street and hear Swedish spoken as often as English, with bustling shops offering traditional treats like lingonberry jam and Swedish meatballs.
The community built Swedish churches, schools, and social clubs, preserving their heritage while adapting to American life. The ‘Svenska Amerikanska Posten‘ newspaper kept everyone informed, and Swedish holidays were celebrated with gusto. The legacy of those times lives on in institutions like the Swedish American Museum, a delightful treasure trove of history and culture. And let’s not forget that Chicago’s Swedes weren’t just blending in—they were building up. They worked in carpentry, furniture-making, and even helped construct some of the city’s iconic architecture. Swedish entrepreneurs and professionals thrived, contributing to Chicago’s development.
Today, while Swedish may not ring out on Clark Street as it once did, the influence of those early immigrants remains woven into the city’s fabric. Chicago is also twinned with Gothenburg, a testament to the longstanding connection between Sweden and the Greater Chicago Area. Whether you’re sampling a cinnamon bun at a fika café or joining the Midsommarfest in Andersonville, Chicago’s Swedish heart is still beating—jollier than ever!
