VGI Updates

Volga German families settled in and around Albert, Kansas.

Volga German immigrants from Norka settled originally in Woden, Iowa. Other families settled in neighboring towns in Hancock County.

Volga German immigrants from Rothammel settled in and around Waterloo. They were joined by other Volga German families.

The history of exactly which colonists were the first to arrive in Red Oak is unknown, but it is related to the group led by Heinrich Schwabauer that left Saratov on 11 June 1875. The group consisted of 12 families and a number of single men. They arrived in New York City in August of that year. Members of this group ended up settling in Red Oak, although some went on to Nebraska and returned later.

The Volga German families in Red Oak came from the colonies of Messer, Balzer, and Kutter.

In 1881, immigrants from Dönhof came to Muscatine.

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

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

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

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

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