Although Swiss settlers began coming to the United States in the 18th century, Swiss immigration did not begin in earnest until the Swiss government began encouraging it in 1844. While some immigrants settled in such urban areas as New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, others established colonies in such states as Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, Nebraska, and Kentucky. These settlements took great pains to preserve their uniquely Swiss cultural identity and were well known for both their agriculture and their cheese production. Colonies in Tennessee and Kentucky included Gruetli-Laager, Hohenwald, Bernstadt, Belvidere, and Gruetly.