Ole Bull Colony
In September 1852, a colony of Norwegians, under the leadership of Ole Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist, settled on a tract of land on Kettle Creek in Stewardson Township, Potter County. This tract consisted of 11,144 acres which Mr. Bull had purchased from John P. Cowan of Williamsport for the sum of $10,388. Four towns were laid out, New Bergen, New Norway, Valhalla, and Oleana, and several dwellings were erected. Ole Bull's summer residence was situated on an eminence, about a mile from New Norway. It was a two-story frame cottage 20 x 36 feet and was what is known today as "Ole Bull's Castle." According to reliable reports, the total number of colonists was less than three hundred. Four months after the signing of the deed of purchase, Ole Bull transferred the property back to John F. Cowan on September 22, 1853, for the consideration of the purchase price. The colony immediately disbanded. Some pushed westward and settled in Minnesota and Wisconsin; others returned to Norway and a very few families remained in Potter County.
Historical Notes in the Development of Potter County
Penn State University Digital Libraries
Creator Welfling, Mary E. 1949
Publisher Potter County Commissioners Place of Publication Coudersport, Pa.
Photo: Pennsylvania Power Library Postcard Collection [Public Domain]
