Life in Mantua during World War One

Mantua's unique cultural background is key to understanding its wartime experience during World War I. As “Little Copenhagen" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with nearly the entire early population being Danish-born.

• Wartime Loyalty: While Danish immigrants generally assimilated quickly and were well-established in the community, the war would have created a complex situation, as their homeland of Denmark remained neutral during the war but was geographically near the conflict. Like many European immigrants in Utah, some residents may have sent aid or followed events in their home countries.

Two Mantua young men who were close friends, Ernest “Ern” Johnson and Ben Nelson served in the US Army in Europe during the war. Both had Danish ancestry.

• Agriculture Focus: Mantua was primarily an agricultural community, dedicated to farming (especially flaxseed and wheat) and running dairies and fish hatcheries. This focus shaped their contribution to the war effort.

Wartime Contributions (Mirroring Utah's Effort)

Mantua's residents would have participated in the widespread home front efforts that characterized Utah's role in the war.