I would like to add to the post re settlement patterns. Although Slovenian, Rev Trunk's 1912 History of Slovene Communities is interesting and has mention of Croatians. Simply search for Rev Trunk FEEFHS and you will find it. Personally I have knowledge of the many mining towns that once existed near Raton NM such as Koehler, Brilliant, Dawson and Sugarite to name a few. Many Croatians worked the coal mines but I think most left the area after the mines closed. Also an area with a large number of Croatians is what is called the Iron Range of MN. Hibbing and Nashwauk are a few of the towns of that area, along with the nearby City of Duluth which has a large Croatian community.