Town of New Sweden

New Sweden is a town in Aroostook County, incorporated on January 29, 1895 from New Sweden Plantation, itself organized in 1876 from township T15 R3 WELS.

After the Civil War, Maine, like other states, was losing population to the great westward migration. A conscious public policy, enacted into law in 1870, of encouraging Swedish immigration resulted in the very successful settlement of Swedes in New Sweden and nearby Stockholm beginning in 1870. Land was allocated to settlers by the State's Land Agent and reports of the Swedish Colony's progress were reported in 1870 by the Board of Immigration.

The two major communities of the Colony have preserved their heritage through several historical societies and hold festivals to recall their Nordic roots. Midsommar is one of those celebrations, held in mid-June each year.

Just northwest of Caribou on Maine Route 161, the town is just south of Stockholm.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)