Texas Viking LbNA #75371

Cleng Peerson, who championed the immigration of Norwegians to the United States, was born in Tysvær, Norway, on May 17, 1782. He came to the New World as a result of hardships in his native land, including the high price of farmland, the high number of drownings among fishermen, and drought. He arrived at New York City in 1821 seeking homes for fellow Norwegian Quakers (most later immigrants from Norway were Lutherans). Between 1825 and 1847 Peerson helped establish communities for Norwegian Quakers and their compatriots in New York, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. He moved to Texas in 1850 and lived with friends near Dallas until 1854. Then he moved to newly organized Bosque County, urging fellow Norwegians in East Texas to do so as well. In recognition of his service, the Texas legislature granted Peerson 320 acres of land in Bosque County, near the community of Norse. He became known as the Texas Viking for his efforts. He died on December 16, 1865 and was buried at the cemetery at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. King Olav V of Norway visited Norse in October 1982 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Cleng Peerson.

Directions: From Clifton, Texas find the traffic light at the intersection of TX 6 and FM 219, drive 3.3 miles SW on FM 219, going toward Cranfills Gap; turn right onto CR 4150. Continue on CR 4150 for 3.7 miles to FM 182. Bear right onto FM 182 and continue N approximately 0.6 mile to the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Park next to the cemetery and walk to the arched gate directly in front of the church. Go through the gate, walk to the large white obelisk which is the grave of Cleng Peerson.

To the box: Look past the grave to the rock fence at the back of the cemetery, then go to the left end of the fence. Look about 3 feet to the right of the end and about 1 foot above the ground behind a couple of loose rocks. Replace the rocks to hide the box. Be stealthy and be respectful of these holy grounds.


Hike length: 0.1 miles