The peak period for US immigration was 1870-1905.

Parish records in Denmark began in 1573, though few survive from prior to 1660; all parish records from 1814 were kept in duplicate and copies were not allowed to be kept under the same roof overnight, so these are complete. From 1815-1874 Danish churches also recorded who arrived and who left the parish.

Timeline of Events

883

King Gorm becomes the first known ruler of a united Danish kingdom.

940-985

The reign of Harold Bluetooth. The Christian church is established in Denmark.

1013

Union of Denmark and England.

1397

The three kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are united in the Union of Kalmar.

1523

Sweden leaves the union.

1536

Reformation.

1787

The first population census of genealogical value was taken.

1788

The abolition of the “stavnsbaand” (compulsory residence by the peasant and farming classes.)

1812

A printed format for parish registers begins.

1814

At the Treaty of Kiel, Denmark is compelled to cede Norway to Sweden.

1863

Denmark goes to war against Prussia and Austria. In the Treaty of Prague (1866), Denmark cedes Schleswig-Holstein to Prussia (Germany).

1915

A new constitution establishes a two-chamber parliament elected by universal suffrage.

1920

After a referendum, northern Schleswig is returned to Denmark.

1940-1945

German occupation of Denmark.