Danish Texans

By: Sri P. Period 5, Culture Group: Danish

Flag of Denmark

In Denmark they call their flag Dannebrog. The The white intersection represents a cross for Christianity.

Map of Denmark

Push Factors

Danish settlers began arriving in Texas between 1820 to 1920. They were trying to get free of the unstable economy and overpopulation. In the 1860's families began arriving in Lee County. They were mostly of farmers and craftsmen.

Map of Texas

Pull Factors

The Danish unemployment rate was very high. Many Danes couldn't even find jobs due to overpopulation. The reason most of the Danish people came to Texas was for opportunities. They wanted jobs so they could earn money and support their families.

Cultural Highlights

The main religion in Denmark is Lutheran Christianity. There are many festivals and dedicated days in Denmark. Martinmas Eve is the evening before St Martin’s Day. Many Danish people eat roast duck or goose on that evening. They also have a childrens festival called Shrovetide. Shrovetide is always on a different time each year because it must be 40 days before Easter. The children dress up and go around with collection tins. They go door to door singing a song for money.Their goal is to fill up the collection tin with money. In Texas the opened bakeries with Danish delicacies. The Danish consider music a important part in life. The Dansk Amatørmusik ( an organization) covers 30,000 choir singers and 6,000 members of amateur orchestras in Denmark! Above in the picture is the Tivoli Concert Hall. Below is the Festival of Shrovetide

Significant Individuals

Charles Zanco and his father Frederick arrived in Galveston from Denmark in 1835. They farmed in Harris County. Charles Zanco joined the Lynchburg Volunteers in the Texas Revolution. He fought against Santa Anna in the Battle of the Alamo on Feb. 23, 1836. He died in the battle on March 6. In one corner in the Alamo's chapel there is a Danish Flag in honor of Zanco.

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts:

  1. The creators of Legos got the name from a Danish word "Leg Godt" meaning play well.
  2. Walt Disney visited the famous Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was so amazed he later decided to build one just like it----- Disneyland!
  3. The longest shopping street in Europe is in Stroget which is in Copenhagen.


1. Which country is threatened by Denmark?

Answer: None! Denmark hasn't been a threat to any country for hundreds of years!

2. What is the largest island in the world?

Answer: Greenland, Denmark!

3. What two places not connected to Denmark but still apart of it?

Answer: Greenland and the Faroe Islands!

4. What is located in Klampenborg, Denmark? (Hint: It was opened in 1583 and it is the oldest operating amusement park.)

Answer: Park "Bakken"

5. Which state has the smallest concentration of Danes but Danes are still is a majority of their population?

Answer: Racine, Wisconsin

1st Analysis

How did your culture group affect Texas?

Some of the Danish cultivation methods are still used in farming today. They mostly used their dairy cooperatives. The Danish people set up folk schools to educate people about their heritage. Most of them where shut down due to the Great Depression. I find it really cool that even some Danish folk schools are still around and fully functioning.

2nd Analysis

Is Texas better off because of immigration?

I think it is, because the culture is more diverse. If everyone came from the same background, life just wouldn't be interesting. You would never even know about their holidays and customs. Even many of our favorite day to day foods wouldn't even be there.

For example cinnamon buns! The Danish were responsible for this delicious treat.


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