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Political History of Green County Swiss Colony: 1845-1945

Daniel Knight

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Published in Sauerkraut Suspenders And The Swiss: A Political History Of Green County S Swiss Colony 1845 1945

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The Green County Swiss Colony, established in 1845 in the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, played a significant role in the political landscape of the region. The Swiss immigrants who founded the colony brought with them a deep-rooted tradition of self-governance and a commitment to democracy, which shaped the colony's political development over the next century.

Sauerkraut, Suspenders, and the Swiss: A Political History of Green County’S Swiss Colony, 1845–1945

by Duane H. Freitag

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Political Organization

The colony's first settlers quickly established a rudimentary system of local government. In 1846, the village of New Glarus was incorporated, and its citizens elected the first village board of trustees. The board was responsible for overseeing the village's affairs, including law enforcement, road maintenance, and education.

As the colony grew, so did its political institutions. In 1848, Green County was created, and the Swiss Colony became its most populous township. The township elected its own supervisors, clerk, and other officials, who represented the colony's interests at the county level.

Political Parties and Alignments

The Swiss immigrants who settled in Green County were predominantly Democratic in their political leanings. This was due in part to the influence of the Swiss Radical Party, which emphasized social justice and economic equality. However, there were also a significant number of Swiss Republicans in the colony, who supported a more conservative and pro-business agenda.

In the early days of the colony, political divisions were often based on local issues rather than party lines. However, as the colony became more integrated into American society, party politics began to play a more prominent role.

Key Political Figures

Several prominent political figures emerged from the Green County Swiss Colony. William Tell, a Swiss immigrant who settled in New Glarus in 1849, served as the village's mayor and postmaster for many years. He was also a leading advocate for Swiss immigrants' rights and a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.

Another notable political figure from the colony was Edward F. Kundert, who served as a state representative and state senator from Green County. Kundert was a prominent Republican and a strong advocate for the interests of Swiss farmers. He also played a key role in the development of the county's infrastructure, including the construction of roads and bridges.

Political Impact on Local and Regional Politics

The Green County Swiss Colony had a significant impact on local and regional politics. The colony's Swiss immigrants brought with them a tradition of active participation in government and a commitment to democratic values. This influence helped to shape the political culture of Green County and the surrounding region.

The Swiss immigrants who settled in Green County also played a vital role in the development of the Republican Party in Wisconsin. Many Swiss immigrants were attracted to the Republican Party's pro-business and anti-slavery stance. As a result, the Swiss Colony became a stronghold for the Republican Party in Green County and beyond.

The political history of the Green County Swiss Colony is a testament to the enduring influence of Swiss immigration on American society. The Swiss immigrants who founded the colony brought with them a deep-rooted tradition of self-governance and a commitment to democracy, which shaped the colony's political development over the next century. The colony's legacy continues to be felt in the region today, where the values of democracy, civic engagement, and community spirit remain strong.

Sauerkraut, Suspenders, and the Swiss: A Political History of Green County’S Swiss Colony, 1845–1945

by Duane H. Freitag

4.5 out of 5