Danevang, Texas

The town was founded in 1894 mostly by Danes who migrated from the American Midwest. They had acquired land grants from the Danish People's Society. The local Lutheran Church preserved Danish culture in the community. It was named Danevang, meaning "Danish Field". A post office was established in 1895. After a period of prosperity, people began moving away in the 1920s. Some moved to Solvang, California. Its most common crops were cotton and agriculture. The community also had a lending library. Danish was the local language and was used for church and club meetings until 1971. Local holidays, such as Christmas, are celebrated with Danish traditions. A fire insurance company was established in 1897 and telephone service was enabled in 1913. In 1920, the Danish Farmers' Cooperative Society was established to help buy, sell, and process farm products and supplies. 97 Danish families lived in Danevang in 1923, then went over 500 four years later. The population then declined to 125 in 1967, then to 60 in 1980. Its population in 2000 was 61. In 1994, the community and its church celebrated their 100th anniversary with festivities including Danish culture, such as food, clothing, and music.[3]

An obelisk stands on the church's lawn, chronicling the community's triumphs and tragedies. Tombstones in the local cemetery are almost entirely Danish.[4]

Danevang has been given the nickname "Danish Capital of Texas".[5]

Danevang is on SH 71 at County Road 424 a distance of 10.8 miles (17.4 km) south of El Campo and 8.5 miles (13.7 km) north of Midfield in Matagorda County. Near the crossroads is a US post office, several agricultural storage buildings, and several dwellings. The Danish Heritage Museum is 1.0 mile (1.6 km) to the south at the junction of SH 71 and FM 441. The Danevang Lutheran Church is a short distance to the east of the museum on County Road 426. Land under agriculture surrounds the homes and other buildings at the site.[6] Danevang is also located 47 mi (76 km) south of Columbus, and 85 mi (137 km) southwest of Houston.[4]

Danevang's first school opened in 1895 and students were taught the Danish language and the country's history.[3] Today, the community is served by the El Campo Independent School District.

• Heinie Kirkgard, football player, was born in Danevang.[8]

• KKHA is stationed in Danevang.

The National Weather Service appointed L. Henningsen as a "cooperative observer". It was the first weather station to be established in Wharton County and continues to keep records. Seven people have acted as meteorologists here, including Johanna Allenson, who served in the position for 31 years. Each year, rainfall and temperatures are recorded and stored in the local assembly hall.[3]