In these he explores the causes and process of the major Swedish emigration to the United States beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, and their settling in such frontier areas as the Minnesota Territory.

The first part of the novel describes the hardships faced by rural families in Sweden, who generally struggled in poverty.

The travelers include: The second part of the book tells of their sea journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

They board the ship in Karlshamn, and have an arduous, ten-week voyage, during which they deal with sea-sickness and scurvy, before reaching New York City in midsummer of 1850.

The Hudson River Railroad (which would grow into the New York Central) is almost complete, and opened October 3, 1851.