Clifton, Texas

This small town in scenic Bosque County advertises itself as The Norwegian Capital of Texas, since the area was settled by Norwegian and German immigrants in the mid-1800s. The nearby hamlet of Norse is the final resting place of Cleng Peerson, internationally recognized as the Father of Norwegian Immigration to America. This small town is reminiscent of so many that we have seen in America whose founders were of Nordic or Scandinavian ancestry.  That is, the appearance is tidy and clean with no signs of disrepair.  The town describes its location as ‘Deep in the Art of Texas’ due to its numerous art and antique shops. Clifton celebrates its Norwegian heritage each year with the Norwegian Country Christmas Tour, held the first Saturday of December. The town is home to the Bosque Conservatory, a performing theatre. The town was originally named Cliff Town after the limestone cliffs that surround it; later this name was contracted to Clifton. So as not to appear disrespectful (or just another stupid, ignorant tourist vermin), the locals pronounce the name of their county BOSS-KEY. Only a Texan could mangle this Spanish pronunciation.