Swedish colonization in North America began with the New Sweden Company in 1637. Investors from Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany aimed to establish a colony for fur trade and tobacco cultivation, recruiting Peter Minuit to lead the expedition.

Fort Christina, founded in 1638 along the Christina River, became New Sweden's capital. Under Governor Johan Printz's leadership from 1643, the colony expanded with new fortifications and treaties with Native American tribes, though it remained small and faced challenges from competing colonies.

Establishment of New Sweden

Formation of the New Sweden Company

• New Sweden Company founded in 1637 by Swedish, Dutch, and German investors
• Aimed to establish a Swedish colony in North America for fur trade and tobacco cultivation
• Received charter from Swedish government granting trading rights and territorial claims
• Peter Minuit, former director of New Netherland, recruited to lead expedition
• Minuit's experience and knowledge of the region proved invaluable for site selection

Founding of Fort Christina

• Expedition led by Peter Minuit arrived in Delaware Bay in March 1638
• Selected site along Christina River (now Wilmington, Delaware) for first settlement
• Fort Christina constructed as primary fortification and administrative center
• Named in honor of Queen Christina of Sweden, then a minor
• Served as capital of New Sweden throughout its existence
• Strategic location provided access to fur trade routes and fertile agricultural land

Leadership and Expansion

Johan Printz's Governorship

• Johan Printz appointed governor of New Sweden in 1643
• Arrived with additional colonists, supplies, and soldiers in 1644
• Established new fortifications to protect Swedish interests (Fort Nya Elfsborg, Fort Nya Gothenborg)
• Implemented policies to encourage agriculture and fur trade
• Negotiated treaties with local Native American tribes (Lenape, Susquehannock)
• Faced challenges from competing Dutch and English colonies in the region

Colonial Population and Settlement Patterns

• Swedish-Finnish colonists formed core of New Sweden's population
• Included farmers, soldiers, craftsmen, and fur traders
• Total population remained small, never exceeding 400 individuals
• Settlements concentrated along Delaware River Valley
• Colonists established farms, trading posts, and small communities
• Introduced log cabin construction techniques to North America
• Cultivated tobacco, maize, and other crops adapted to local climate

Cultural and Economic Development

• Lutheran Church established as official religion of the colony
• Swedish language and customs maintained in isolated settlements
• Fur trade with Native Americans became primary economic activity
• Agricultural production increased over time, supporting local needs
• Limited manufacturing developed (sawmills, gristmills)
• Trade relations established with neighboring English and Dutch colonies
• New Sweden's influence on regional culture persisted after Swedish control ended in 1655