Stavanger,Roagaland, Norway
Stavanger in Norway is the third largest city and the city's population rapidly grew in the late 20th century due to its oil industry. In 2010 there were 123,850 inhabitants.
Stavanger is considered the center of the oil industry in Norway and is often called the "Oil Capital". Previously, the city was best known for fishing and shipping. The city has also been known as the "mission city" due to its missionary activities in the 19th century.
A part of the city is called "Old Stavanger" and is one of Northern Europe's best preserved wooden houses.
800,000 Norwegians left their homes and moved to other countries between the years of 1830 and 1920. On July 4th, 1825, the sloop "Restauration" set sail from Stavanger with 52 emigrants on board. Their departure marks the beginning of organized emigration from Norway to North America.
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Stavanger, Illinois
Stavanger consists of a church, 10 houses and a crossroads. Most residents are engaged in agriculture or similar occupations.
"Stavanger is an unincorporated community in Miller Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. Stavanger is located along County Route 25, 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Seneca."
In 1834, the first permanent Norwegian settlement in the United States was established. Far out in the farming county of Illinois, they settled, built their houses and called the town Stavanger.
A few descendants of the Norwegian emigrants still live in Stavanger, and on the gravestones you can see many Norwegian names.
Every year in December, the Stavanger Lutheran Church holds a Scandinavian Christmas party, where Scandinavian cakes are served and the girls wear Scandinavian national costumes. On that day,
many people visit the church.
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