Over the past 2 decades, Kentucky has had one of the fastest-growing Amish populations
Kentucky is home to a sizeable and growing Amish population. Amish did not arrive to the state until the mid-20th century. Since that time the Amish population has rocketed to become the 8th-largest in North America. Today, around 8,000 Amish (62 church districts) are found in 30+ settlements (Young Center 2010).
A conservative Amish settlement is found in Hardin County, KY
Kentucky Amish settlements include:
- Munfordville/Horse Cave-The Munfordville community is the largest in Kentucky, and one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
- Guthrie-The area near Guthrie in southern Kentucky is home to a small “electric New Order” group
- Christian County-2 separate Amish settlements along with an Old Order Mennonite community call Christian County home
- Other small settlements-Kentucky is dotted with small communities; Amish are found in nearly two dozen of the state’s counties
Munfordville/Horse Cave
The Amish settlement in Hart County, found near the towns of Munfordville and Horse Cave, was started in 1989. This community has ties with the Geauga County Amish settlement in Ohio. The Munfordville settlement has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and numbered 13 church districts as of 2010 (about 1,600 people).
In comparison, another community founded the same year in Christian County, KY, is less than half the size. Munfordville has benefited from a high level of in-migration of Amish from other communities, including its large parent settlement of Geauga County.
Amish at the Hart County produce auction
Amish at Munfordville operate small businesses and farm. The hilly terrain is not the best farmland, but Amish do operate traditional farms as well as grow produce. The local produce auction runs on weekdays at 1pm.
A number of shops, including furniture businesses and retail stores provide ways of making a living for the Amish (more on Kentucky Amish furniture). Detweiler’s Country Store, near Cub Run, is a well-known variety store with gardening amenities, books, foods, and dry goods. Amish-run sawmills and fabric shops can be found dotted among the Hart County hills as well.
Traveling in Hart County by buggy can be hazardous. Like the Amish community at Holmes County, Ohio, Hart County is hilly. In some places you will find buggy pull-off lanes, usually on steep hills, which provide a shoulder for buggies to pull over and allow vehicles traveling behind to pass.
Read more on the Munfordville, KY Amish.
Guthrie
The lands near Guthrie in Todd County are home to an unusual community of “electric” New Order Amish. New Order Amish on the whole make up only a small minority within Amish society.
Though they dress plain, use the horse-and-buggy, and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, New Order Amish in general differ somewhat from Old Order Amish. New Order Amish tend to have a greater focus on missions and outreach, are generally liberal on technology, believe in assurance of salvation. Some groups also hold Sunday School.
New Order Amish are themselves divided into two groups: “electric” and “non-electric”. Electric New Order Amish differ from non-electric New Orders in that they permit electricity to be used in the home.
Guthrie Amish are also very progressive when it comes to tractor usage. Tractors are driven on the road; most Amish homes can be identified by the bright blue or red tractor parked outside. Buggy usage is limited compared to other Amish settlements. As a result, Guthrie homes are more spread out than one might expect for a settlement of this size.
Amish at Guthrie, Kentucky make extensive use of tractors
The Guthrie community is the oldest in Kentucky, founded in 1958. Today it numbers just 3 church districts in size. Guthrie Amish originate from a now-defunct Amish church at Stuarts Draft, Virginia (GC Waldrep, “The New Order Amish and Para-Amish Groups”, Mennonite Quarterly Review July 2008 p. 399). Guthrie Amish maintain ties with other communities, such as the electric New Order Amish church at Union Grove in North Carolina.
Christian County
Christian County is home to 2 Amish settlements: the second-oldest in the state, near Crofton (founded 1972, 2 church districts), and a newer and larger settlement near Hopkinsville and Pembroke (1989, at 5 districts the state’s second-largest).
Crofton is an electric New Order settlement, of similar size to that at Guthrie in neighboring Todd County (see Guthrie Amish above). Christian County, along with Todd County, is also home to a community of Old Order Mennonites. Todd County is also home to a sizeable produce auction (Fairview, at Elkton) where both Amish and Mennonites sell their fruits and vegetables.
Other Kentucky Amish communities
Numerous smaller settlements are found across the state. Marion in Crittenden County is home to the third-oldest Kentucky settlement, founded in 1977 and with 4 church districts today. Barren County is home to a pair of settlements founded in the 80s.
Amish buggies share the road with tractor trailers in rural Hardin County, KY
In addition to Guthrie and Crofton, a third, smaller electric New Order settlement can be found at Princeton in Caldwell County.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kentucky is also home to a few ultraconservative Swartzentruber Amish settlements, one found in Hardin County near Sonora, and a second in Graves County near Mayfield.
Other Kentucky counties with Amish settlements include Lincoln, Logan, Fleming, Casey, and Breckinridge Counties. With its wide range of affiliations, Kentucky is a state which showcases the diversity of Amish society (see David Luthy, Amish Settlements Across America: 2008).
Kentucky, home to a rapidly-growing Amish population
All Kentucky Amish settlements except for the Guthrie community have been founded during the last 40 years.
A home in the young Swartzentruber Amish settlement in Graves County
Kentucky’s attractive location and relatively low land prices have led large numbers of Amish to settle the state.
According to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Kentucky has been the fastest-growing state of Amish populations of significant size.
Between 1991 and 2010, the Kentucky Amish population grew by 226%. This is in large part due to high in-migration, which has continued at a high rate in recent years.
For further information, see:
Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy
The New American Almanac 2010, Raber’s Bookstore (Baltic, Ohio), Ben J. Raber
“Amish Population by State (2010)” and “Amish Population Change 1991‐2010” Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College(http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Population_by_State_2010.asp; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/PDF/Statistics/Population_Change_1991_2010.pdf)
“The New Order Amish and Para-Amish Groups”, G.C. Waldrep, Mennonite Quarterly Review July 2008
“Produce Auctions Continue to Grow”; University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Laura Skillman
Amish America blog: “The Amish of Munfordville, Kentucky“; “Graves County, Kentucky Amish”
Photo credits: Hardin County buggy-hikinghillman; Graves County-Brett
125 responses to Kentucky Amish
There are Amish at Crab Orchard just north of Danville.The latest budget has statistics for 2011. 87 households 4 church districts and 4 school’s. I have an address for one of the Amish bulk food stores Yoder’s 87 Ky Hwy. 3246 Crab Orchard,Ky. 40419
What are the hours an time for the Amish in Crab Orchard
What are the hours an time for the Amish in Crab Orchard the ones with the greenhouses where i can purchase plants
Thnk you.
I am looking for milking sheeps.
looking for a furniture craftsman
I am trying to find someone who could make four oak seats for my diningroom chairs. The chair design is so that the seat is a separate piece not joined with the back of the chair. Any help would be appreciated. The seats are simple in design but it seems it’s the “dishing” out of the seat that many don’t know how to do.
Chair Maker
Not sure if you are interested in chair makers outside KY. I know of a great one in Chambersburg PA – Brownsville Chair Shop – Laban Myers – phone: 717-375-4666. Email I believe is MJOB@verizon.net. He isn’t Amish – is Mennonite.
Furniture craftsman
Try Titus Hoover on South Fork Church Road in Liberty, KY. He can do just about anything with furniture (he refurbished an old screen door for us and he custom builds things, too). Call Sunny Valley Country Store at 606-787-5946 and they can give you Titus’ number/specific address. If you haven’t been, Liberty, KY is within 90 minutes of Lexington and is in south-central Kentucky. Another place that might be able to help (in terms of directing you to craftsmen) is South Fork Furniture on South Fork Creek in Liberty (adjacent to Sunny Valley and other businesses). They work with many Ohio Amish furniture makers. Good luck!
Kentucky Amish
Phone number
Titus Hoover’s number is 606-787-1404 at Scenic View Woodworking on South Fork Church Road/Ridge, just about a mile past Homestead Greenhouses. It makes a great day trip with lots to do (and within 90 miles/minutes of Lexington region). Check out www.GROWCaseyCounty.blogspot.com for more info and updates throughout the year (or “GROW Casey County” on Facebook).
Best wishes, Catherine
Thank you Catherine for your help. We’ll call Mr. Hoover and hopefully he can help us out. I’ve been looking and asking around for a long time off and on. Thanks again. Lou
amish furniture
I am looking for amish that make furniture when in ohio i got a beautiful dining table and chairs would like something else made am in western kentucky now does anyone know any amish that make furniture in this area?
Replying to Tom in KY
If you are interested in Cedar furniture, Simon Beachy near Marion, KY, produces wonderful custom items. I do not have a number, but he’s located on Auut Jane Tabernacle Road. From Marion take KY 91 North toward the Cave-In-Rock Ferry. About 9 miles out you’ll pass an Amish store on your left. Go about amother mile and look for the sign on your left. His shop is about a mile or two off KY 91.
I was driving from Cave City to Munfordville on 31 W yesterday and stopped at a little place called J and J Country Shop or something of the sort. It’s almost like a little consignment shop. They have Amish clothes, toys, shoes, books, all sorts of things. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the area
I was just wondering when the consignment auction is what the dates of it is if anyone has any contact info is much appreciated thank you very much
I was just wondering about the consignment auction the dates and any contact information thank you very much
Auctions in Casey County
Hi Michael,
Check the GROW CASEY COUNTY website throughout the year (www.GROWCaseyCounty.blogspot.com) for the Casey County Produce Auction sale and related consignment auctions. The former is produce, plants and related ag products throughout the season, beginning now (complete schedule at http://growcaseycounty.blogspot.com/p/casey-co-produce-auction-schedule.html) and through mid-October when they will have their next consignment auction.
Traditionally, the 501/127 Consignment sale/benefit auctions in Casey County are held the last Saturday in March and the last Saturday in October. Now the Casey County Consignment Auction is also doing the same in mid-March and mid-October so there are two in those months.
Also, the 3rd Annual Haiti Benefit Auction will be April 27/28 of this month at the AG/EXPO Center just south of Liberty, KY on Hwy 127.
I hope this is helpful and that you will visit Casey County in your travels!
Best, Catherine Pond
GROW Casey County
www.GROWCaseyCounty.blogspot.com
FACEBOOK: “GROW Casey County”
Kentucky Amish
thanks catherine
thanks Catherine Pond
for your quick responds responds
if you have any more information on any more up and coming consinment actions would be help full.
thanks mike
The Hart County Consignment Auction was yesterday, 4/14/12. It
is usually the second Sat. in April.
The Spring Crofton Consignment Auction will be next Sat. April
21 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Crofton Amish Community Center.
From the Pennyrile Parkway, take Ext 23, turn west on Hwy 800
and go 1.3 miles south.
Amish auction
Sir:
I had great difficulty finding the date of the 2013 consignment auction. Finally the Munfordville Chamber of Commerce told me the auction is April 13, 2013. Hope that is helpful!
Does anyone know of an Amish or Mennonite farmer who is selling pastured beef and/or pork? The local farms want an arm and a leg for it. Thanks!
look n to buy a mannul wood mizer or superior
look n to buy a wood mizer or superior
LT 40
LT 30
LT 28
LT 25
look n to purchuse one
send pictures to kyleatherandhide@gmail.com
or call mike @ 1502-475-5985 thanks
Amish near Louisville??
Does anyone know of any amish communities near Louisville, KY?
Thanks!
Marc — There are several Amish communities within about a one
hour drive from Louisville. Here are some roads to travel on to find Amish stores, produce stands, etc.
Irvington, Ky — US 60 west of Irvington
Willisburg, Ky — Chaplin Road
Sonora, Ky. (Swartzentruber) — Upton-Sonora Road
Campbellsburg, Ky — Turners Station area
Rosebud, In. (New Order) — SW Washington School Rd.
Salem, In. — New Philadelphia area
Paoli, In.– CR 500 E, and Lynd School Road
Orleans, In (Swartzentruber) — CR 100 E and CR 200W
All are interesting in their own way, but I would recommend
Irvington, Ky., and Paoli and Orleans, In.
In addition to these, there are several more within a two
hour drive of Louisville. Two I would recommend: Daviess Co. Indiana and Munfordville, Ky.
Kentucky Amish
Amish Sawmill?
In particular, I’m looking for a community near Louisville that has a sawmill (hopefully cedar
.
I would suggest going to the Paoli and Orleans settlements.
There are several sawmills in each. Go to the produce stand
at 700 N. Lynd Road east of Paoli and ask for directions to
the sawmills in that settlement. Also go to the sawmill about
2 miles north of the intersection of CR 700 N and CR 200W
west of Orleans. If a specific sawmill doesn’t have cedar, I’m
sure they’ll tell you where there is one. You may have to special
order cedar.
Kentucky Amish
Henry County/Turner's Station Amish?
Hi Al,
I see you mentioned Amish in Henry County. Do you have any idea to which group they are affiliated (OO, Swartzentruber, etc.)? I have family in that area and was curious to know who settled that area.
Thanks!
Emily — They are Old Order Amish and if I am correct, I think have roots with the Swiss Amish in northeastern Indiana in Jay and Adams counties. The buggies I’ve seen in Henry County are of the open buggy type. Anyone else have further information?
Amish in Henry County
Thanks, Al! That is interesting that they are Swiss Amish. I live in Michigan, not terribly far from the Swiss Amish settlements here and in northeast IN.
A few days after I posted above, I found a census study out of University of Cincy about OO population growth and settlements, and the Henry County group was noted in that study. Not sure of the size of the community, but they seem to have settled in the area between the 2000 and 2010 census. Interestingly, that is not exactly the cheapest land out there anymore, so I’m curious why they picked Turners Station and not something a bit off the beaten path (e.g., Pleasureville). I know there are established groups in the area that are focused on small farm food production (and Wendell Berry’s farm is not too far from there). Must have been some sort of draw for them to be there.
Many thanks again for your thoughts. I am going to be traveling down there for a visit in a few weeks and am anxious to take a peek around town!
Kentucky Amish
sheds/metal or wood
i am looking for a shed,for my yard,but i want to see them frist can you tell me where in ohio is one of your community closest to northern ky.
I am not sure exactly where you are in northern KY, but given you are in northern KY you are a short drive to many Amish settlements and only about a 3-4 hour drive to Holmes county Ohio. There is also a community in Flemingsburg KY, however I have never been to that particular settlement but it may be worth checking out and should be within a hour or so from northern KY
there is a place in Laurel CO on East 80 in the bush area that sells sheds benches and playgound sets
Amish doll
I am looking for an Amish made doll. Does anyone know where one could be purchase in KY?
http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Population_by_State_2012.asp
the KY Amish district count is now up to 72 and now 9000 Amish live in the state.
Buggy Horse
I am interested in purchasing a buggy horse. Thank you.
Amish Auction
There is an Amish family in Crittenden County that has operated a greenhouse and bakery for a number of years. The patriarch is retiring. His family has taken over some of the operation, but they have a lot of extra equipment they have decided to sell at auction in late October. Got to http://www.bluegrassrealtyandauction.com/ for a flyer. They should have a manifest for the sale posted in the next couple of weeks.
Kentucky Amish
Amish Auction folo
Auction listing is at http://www.bluegrassrealtyandauction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Photograph7.jpg
Needing work done by the Amish
I’m needing some work done by the Amish. Does anyone know how i can get intouch or vist? My loction is burksville Ky in Cumberland County.
Thanks for your time.
Mary, may I suggest asking Amos Esh of Esh’s Storage Buildings, Phone(270) 864-3381, or Leroy Kauffman of Kauffman Builders, 270-433-6315. Both are in Burkesville, KY, and former New Order Amish.
Amish Horse Training
Wanting to find an Amish farm that trains horses to ride, not pull. Located in Hardin co.
Need wooden toy horse stable
I’m near lexington ky and I would love to purchase a horse stable toy for my daughter’s birthday. Where would I find an Amish made toy in this area?
Kids Tree House Help
I’m looking for Amish woodworker near Louisville to build a tree house for my kids in my back yard. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!
Rashna,
You could try calling 270-547-2900. This is a lumberyard in Irvington, Kentucky. Ask them for a recommendation.
handquilting
Am interested in finding out if there are any Amish quilters within the lexington area that would be interested in hand quilting and finishing a quilt. Thank you!
Handquilting Services
I live in Ethridge, TN and there is a shop here that offers handquilting services done by Amish women. Their website is www.plainandsimplequilts.com or their phone number is 931-840-5522
Looking for Amish sawmill on Hwy 84 out of Sonora Ky
A friend told me there was an Amish sawmill on hwy 84 outside of Sonora Ky. that sold cedar. My husband and I traveled from I-65 out about 40 miles and never did see it. Can someone tell me where it might be. We will be traveling back that way Nov. 27, 2012 and would love to find it. Thanks
Looking for Amish Sawmill response
I have an Amish friend who makes cedar furniture near Marion, KY. He gets his cedar sawed at a mill near Dawson Springs. Give me a few days and I might be able to get a phone number if you don’t mind traveling that far west.
Cedar lumber
http://www.glasscocksawmill.net/
Here is the website of a good sawmill in Spencer County KY that can supply cedar timber.
Pole barn construction
I have a farm in Spencer County (Taylorsville area).
I want to build a pole barn approximately 50×75 this spring.
Several persons have recommended I get a quote from the Amish for this because they do excellent quality construction at a value price. If anyone knows an Amish construction team that would be interested in this project please forward my contact info.
I can be reached at (502)2440770 or gordonmcke@insightbb.com
Kentucky Amish
Hi,
I am looking for amish to build a barn with an apartment near Georgetown KY. Anyone have any suggestions?
Barn
There is an Old Order Mennonite man in Cynthiana, Kentucky. I don’t have his number, but I believe his business was called Bluegrass Barns. If you could find Wayne Yoder, he would know.
builders
I have land in Liberty Kentucky and I am looking for Amish builders to make me a cabin or small house. I am currently working out of state and can not contact the Amish in that area directly. Does anyone know of some local bulders that can build me a small house/cabin? email me at mukujoe@hotmail.com
Planning a trip to Ky Amish Communities
We are planning a trip this summer to Ky.Would appreciate info on Amish communities in Marion and Munfordville.Anything you may know would be helpful….We normally visit Ethridge Tn and we love it there, but want to expand our trip this year to include Ky.
Norma,
www.marionkentucky.org/
has information about the Amish community in Crittenden County or Marion, Kentucky. A map is available of the local Amish area.
Thanks Linda….
That website is very helpful,especially the map.Seems as if our main concern will be a place to stay, without driving too far out of the area.Unless I missed locating a nearby motel.
Thanks again!
Munfordville Amish
I’ve been to the Munfordville settlement many times and always
enjoy my visits there. Suggested places to go:
The heart of the settlement is on either side of Cub Run Highway,
Hwy #88, between Munfordville and Cub Run.
Detweiler Country Store — 12825 Priceville Road
You might stop there first to ask about other places to go.
Detweiler’s is great — several small buildings selling various
products — hardware, bulk food, household goods, etc.
Rocky Top Salvage — 632 E. Gap Hill Road (bent and dent grocery)
Miller’s Greenhouse and Furniture — 2375 Macon-Kessinger Road
Yoder’s Variety Shoppe — 179 Archie Fryer Rd.
Also ask at Yoder’s about the store that sells D. L. Miller’s
art work (Amish artist). It’s near Yoder’s.
Anna’s Kitchen — ask at Detweiler’s for the address. Sells
jams and jellies retail and wholesale.
Also, if you visit during produce season (roughly between May
and Sept), try to visit on produce auction day at the Hart Co.
Produce Auction. Call 270-524-0005 for the schedule. I think
it’s on Mon., Wed., and Fri. It is Amish-run, with many Amish
farmers selling produce there.
Kentucky Amish
Wow! Thank you so much for this info! I was hoping someone who has already visited there would have some suggestions.
Thanks again!
Place to stay near Marion, KY
We have a couple of nice Bed and Breakfast spots in Marion. On the Motel side check the Royal Inn- formerly Tobin’s Tourtel for basic accommodation. They should be listed on the marionkentucky.org site. Also try www.the-press.com where some of the BnB spots advertise. If you’d rather have a brand name hotel, try the Hampton Inn at Eddyville, KY, about 20 miles away. You’ll have good access to Marion via US 641. The main Amish community is west of Mattoon, KY, and north of Marion. Check out the Fords Ferry Road area for a scenic drive. There are some stores along KY 91 about 10 miles north of Marion. That also puts you close to the Cave-In-Rock Ferry and nearby state park in Illinois. The Cave-in-Rock State Park has cabins overlooking the river. Hope you enjoy your visit to our part of the world.
Kentucky Amish
Thanks Keith…We are really looking forward to our trip! This info is much appreciated.It is so helpful to have someone that lives in area,suggest places to see and locations.
Again,many thanks!
Help Needed
Are there any Amish men/women available who are available (for a fee) to come to my farm to assist me in getting my garden and orchard — and my house in better shape? I am willing to pick up and drive to my home near Midway, KY (even though it’s a Georgetown address). I’m located 10 miles from the KY Horse Park, near Midway.
How would I get in contact with those individuals who can help? (I’ve tried numerous Englische people before, but have had “issues” with integrity!)
Thank you.
Kentucky Amish
I read in this week’s Budget newspaper that there is a new
Amish settlement only about three weeks old at Pleasureville,Ky.,
in southern Henry County. I don’t have any addresses or phone
numbers, but Pleasureville is small, so I’m sure someone there
would know where the Amish are living. Also, there is a plain
Mennonite group at Salvisa, Ky., not too far from you. They
did have a couple of stores on Hwy. 147, so you might check there.
Another small settlement is at Willisburg, Ky. If I find out
about any others fairly close, I’ll write another post with that
information.
Kentucky Amish
New Settlement in Pleasureville, KY
Wow, that’s great news, Al. I’ll have to tell my family there about it. Where in the Budget did you read that information? I must have missed it.
Wait…now I realize I haven’t gotten my Budget this past week (I’m still working my way through last week’s Budget)!! Oh no…wonder where it landed.
The news about the new Pleasureville community was in the
Willisburg, Ky., letter in the April 17 Budget. I have found
that the Willisburg and Irvington scribes seem to keep up with
the latest news about new settlements in Ky. I think there is
also a new settlement in Liberty, Ky. It may be Swartzentruber
Amish.
Oh wow. I don’t get my Budget nearly that quickly in the mail. Mine always arrives a week behind printing. I’m still waiting on the one from the 10th! Do you purchase yours locally, Al?
Swartzentruber
Al,
There is a new settlement in Liberty, Ky. and they are Swartzentruber from what we understand from our Amish neighbors in Pellyington. They have come and purchased some of the homes vacated by the Mennonites who are leaving the South Fork area and moving to TN. A story about this move was published April 6, 2013 and I read it at www.kentucky.com. More families will be arriving soon, I think there are about thirteen families now. So glad that these wonderful farms built by our Mennonite neighbors will not just go to ruin with no one to live on them.
Kentucky Amish
Thanks so much for the update. I had wondered what was going to
happen to all of the Old Order Mennonite farms.
Help in KY
Kathleen,
I used to sell produce at Georgetown Tractor Supply a couple of years back. I know some Mennonites in Cynthiana, Kentucky. Would that be okay? I would tell members of my Mennonite church, but we are in Manchester and Lincoln Counties. That is too far away (I am joining Pace’s Creek in late July.) Let me know. I can contact them. How many people do you need and for how long? I’m not for sure if you are the Kathleen that is one of my friends on my FB page or not. I am Amish Author Sicily Yoder on there, but am transitioning to Sicily Farmer this summer.
Kentucky Amish
Kentucky Produce Auctions
There is a UK link for all produce auctions in Kentucky, including the one in Hart County, which is set for 4/13/2013:
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/marketing/auctions.pdf
find doctor Rueben
Would like to know if you or anyone else knows of a Doctor named Rueben, in or around Tompkinsville, Ky. I don’t know if he is Amish or Mennonite.Would like to get an appointment with him.
Looking for home builder / remodeler
Need help redoing a home in Jamestown, KY just south of Russell Springs near Lake Cumberland.
Homebuilder/Remodeler
John, we have an Amish friend who is a carpenter with the skills you are talking about for homebuilding and remodeling. He has references and his own shop. Just stop by the Mustard Seed Country Store in Pellyington on the 206 and ask for directions to Jacob Miller’s the carpenter, they will be able to point you down the right road. He only lives a half mile from the store.
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