Lake Chisago

Lake Chisago, Minnesota is the main setting of this novel. This is where Karl and Kristina settle, and they are the first settlers at Lake Chisago.

Stillwater

Stillwater is a town near Lake Chisago where Karl often travels for business. Ulrika lives in Stillwater, and Karl takes Kristina to town when she is sick to visit the doctor.

Sweden

Sweden is the country that Karl, Kristina and many of their neighbors in the St. Croix Valley immigrate from.

Civil War

The Civil War breaks out at the beginning of the novel to abolish slavery, and though Karl wants to enlist, he is rejected due to his lame leg. The war has little effect on the Minnesota settlers in this novel.

Sioux War

The Sioux War consists of Sioux Indians attacking settlers in an attempt to reclaim their land when the government does not pay them for...