During the 19th century, thousands of people left the Achterhoek to build a new life in the United States. Many people also emigrated from Aalten. What began as a religiously motivated exodus developed into a broader emigration movement that continued into the 20th century. This page contains stories about these emigrants, together with a list of emigrants from Aalten.

“We have it better than ever”

A mother remained faithful to her birthplace

A trip back and forth to the Netherlands

Aalten residents who fought in the American Civil War

Adventurous couple

Amsterdam Pier, Sheboygan

Emigrant family Navis
Emigrant family Navis

Emigration from Aalten to America

Gruesome arrival in New York

Indian stories

List of emigrants from Aalten to the USA

Miss te Slaa has not forgotten the Netherlands after 42 years in the U.S.

Peak became Pike in the US

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Duenk

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Haartman

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Heebink

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Hilbelink

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Huinink

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Ruesink

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Stronks

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Walvoord

Pioneers in Wisconsin – Wevers

The Phoenix Disaster (1847)

The sailing ship ‘Hector’ (1846)

The sailing ship ‘Kath Jackson’ (1847)

The sailing ship ‘Leila’ (1854)

The steamship ‘Nestorian’ (1869)

Traces of Brevoort in New York

Two Aalten boys in search of fortune

