Norfolk

In July 1866, three wagon trains of German immigrants from Wisconsin arrived at their new home on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River in northeastern Nebraska. The settlers intended to call the town Northfork, but in 1868, when the abbreviated Norfork was submitted to federal postal authorities, the government assumed the name was misspelled and changed it to Norfolk. Since the town’s founding, the story of the community has been one of continuous growth that has led to a bountiful, thriving town. Norfolk’s hardworking people are generous, welcoming, and open to new ideas. Though it has changed with time, the unconquerable spirit of the city remains young and active. Images of Modern America: Norfolk is a photographic journey into the 21st century.