The Dutch Americans in the Midwest

A group of Dutch settlers in the 19th century paved the way for strong values and family ties in the land of opportunity.

Typical Dutch homestead in Northeast Wisconsin, circa 1855. Public Domain

Dutch Americans have a reputation for being an industrious people with a strong work ethic. From dairy farming to tulip growing to furniture manufacturing, they have dominated numerous industries.

They also boast robust religious and family values. How has this group of people achieved high material success while maintaining a strong cultural identity? Historically, there are two main factors: one tragically accidental, the other brilliantly deliberate.

The First Potato Famine

Immigration from the Netherlands began early in colonial American history. This occurred most notably in New York, where industrious merchants populated Manhattan and laid the foundations for the city that is now the financial capital of the world.