Geography

Geographically, Swede Bend is a specific gradual bend of the Des Moines River that runs northerly from approximately a mile north of the Boone County line for about four miles dividing Hardin and Dayton Townships in Webster County. Swede Bend won't be found on any map - it was never a town, village or post office. The name came into local use when Swedish settlers became the dominant ethnic group to settle in what was to become Hardin Township, Webster County, Iowa.

The Swede Bend settlement expanded into surrounding counties and townships and consequently became the largest and most influential Swedish immigrant settlement in Iowa.

The Swedish Foundation of Iowa's Swede Bend Settlement focuses on documenting the history of the following counties, townships and towns that form the greater Swede Bend Settlement area, although you'll find many Swedish immigrants in the area beyond these borders.

Greater Swede Bend Map with Landmarks

Use the following map to find locations extant (color icons) and non-extant (gray icons) landmarks including:

• Townships, towns and neighborhoods.
• Post offices
• Churches, schools and businesses.
• Cemeteries
• Farmsteads