VGI Updates

Volga Germans are known to have settled in the Lansing, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago.

The Chicago suburb of Melrose Park was founded in 1882. Many Volga German families settled in and around Melrose Park.

Volga German immigrants first arrived in the Riverdale area of Chicago in 1902 to work in the sugar beet fields in the area. They came from Bangert and Stahl am Tarlyk.

As industry began to develop, the agricultural enterprises were abandoned, and the Volga German immigrants who remained went to work in local plants and factories.

Volga Germans from Kukkus settled in Rockford. They were joined by other families that settled in and around Rockford.

Thornton is a southern suburb of the Chicago Metro area. Volga German families settled in the Thornton neighborhood.

Volga German immigrants settling in Alexander found work in the sugar beet fields.

Volga German immigrants from Rothammel settled in and around Clear Lake, Iowa.

Volga German immigrants settling in Eagle Grove found work in the railroad maintenance shops.

Volga German immigrants from Josefstal and Marienfeld settled in Fort Dodge.

Volga German immigrants from Norka settled in and around Mason City where many found work in the sugar beet fields and packing plants.