Swiss Colony Bernstadt

Founded in 1881, Bernstadt was Kentucky’s largest foreign colony. A farm crisis in Switzerland and high land prices caused mass emigration. Paul Schenk and Otto Bruner, agriculturists, and Karl Imobersteg, owner of a large passage office, promoted the venture. These Swiss capitalists sold 4,000 acres to colonists, most from Bern. The settlers improved farming and became known for wine and cheese production.

Kentucky · United States