Did Vikings Party in America First?

Hey there, history newbie! So, you’ve heard about Columbus ‘discovering’ America, but girl, let me spill the tea on some real OG explorers – the Vikings. Yep, you heard it right. Those beefy, bearded fellas from the icy lands of Scandinavia may have been the actual trendsetters for transatlantic trips.

Before you start thinking about horned helmets (which, BTW, is a total myth), let’s dive into who these Vikings really were. Imagine a group of Scandinavian badasses, who were part merchants, part pirates, and fully into their #Wanderlust, sailing across uncharted waters just because they can.

So, When Did They Slide into America?

Picture this: It’s around the year 1000. The Y2K bug isn’t a thing, but exploring the unknown is all the rage. Enter Leif Erikson, a Viking explorer who said “BRB” to his native Greenland and set sail to what he called Vinland, a place with lush meadows and bountiful grapevines, which is basically today’s Newfoundland, Canada. Soz Columbus, Leif was here first.

But wait, how do we know this isn’t just some Nordic fairytale? Archaeologists found remains of a Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows, which is like the ultimate check-in. Plus, sagas, which are the Vikings’ version of Insta stories, narrate tales of their North American adventures long before the ‘Gram was a thing.

Life in Vinland

Let’s get into the Viking vibe. We’re talking about a small group of people setting up camp in a new world. They built structures called ‘Longhouses’ which were like the original open-concept homes (take that, HGTV!). These settlers weren’t just chilling; they were craftsmen, farmers, and savvy traders who were down for some local networking with the Indigenous peoples.

The Vikings didn’t stay for long, though. Turns out, being a pioneer isn’t always a beach party. There were clashes with the locals (major social faux pas), and the Viking equivalent of liking an ex’s 100-week-old photo happened – they got homesick.

Midwest Meets Norse: Vikings in Minnesota?

Just when you thought the Viking footprint was limited to the coasts, the plot thickens. Minnesota, known for its lakes and loons, also claims a slice of Viking fame. So, pop your popcorn, because this story is a mix of history and mystery that’s got even skeptics doing a double-take.

In the quaint town of Alexandria, there stands a runestone with inscriptions that could totally be a spoiler for a “Vikings: The Midwest” series. Discovered in 1898 by a Swedish farmer named Olof Ohman, the Kensington Runestone has runic writing that suggests Norse explorers made it all the way to Minnesota in 1362 – yes, that’s wayyy before Plymouth Rock became the it-spot for settlers.

But here’s where it gets juicy. Not everyone buys the story. Some smarty-pants historians and linguists call it a hoax, like a historical prank. But the plot thickens with other artifacts like Viking coins found at various sites in the state, suggesting these Norsemen were more into the American road trip than we thought.

Whether the runestone is legit or the 14th-century version of a prank call, it’s a reminder that history has some serious gaps, and sometimes you gotta look in your own backyard for clues. So next time you’re sipping your pumpkin spice latte and dreaming of autumnal escapes, remember that Vikings might have been scoping out the best fall colors in America way before it was cool.

What Did They Leave Behind?

Apart from the cool ruins at L’Anse aux Meadows, the Vikings left behind some serious wanderlust inspo. They showed that the Atlantic wasn’t an impenetrable barrier but a highway to new experiences – kind of like how we view the internet today. And let’s be honest, they gave historians and enthusiasts something to fangirl over.

The Viking Legacy

Fast forward to the 1960s, when the hippies were doing their thing, and archaeologists were doing theirs by officially confirming the Viking presence in America. This changed history books, giving the Vikings a posthumous shoutout for their exploratory antics.

The real kicker? This Viking discovery is not just a cool historical tidbit; it’s a reminder that history is full of surprises, and sometimes the underdog (or under-viking?) stories are the most epic ones.

Why Should You Care?

Okay, so why does this ancient history matter to you? Girl, because it’s all about breaking stereotypes, exploring the unknown, and recognizing the power of human curiosity. It’s a testament to stepping out of your comfort zone, being a little rebellious, and writing your own story – something every young woman can resonate with.

So next time you’re planning your vacay, channel your inner Viking. Be bold, be fearless, and maybe discover your own version of Vinland. And when someone brings up Columbus, you’ve got the scoop on the real first guests to America’s shores.

Remember, the world is your oyster, or in Viking terms, your open sea ready to be sailed. Grab your metaphorical shield and explore it, because who knows what history you might make?