The ten largest Amish settlements, by number of church districts, as of 2009:
10. Allen County, Indiana (Founded 1852; 19 church districts). This Amish settlement located to the north of Fort Wayne is a Swiss-ethnicity community. Open buggies are driven here; the construction trade is popular. Allen County Amish homes are often built of red brick, unlike those of most other Amish. The three most common last names here are Graber, Lengacher, and Schmucker.
9. Mifflin County, Pennsylvania (Founded 1791; 22 districts). Also known as Kishacoquillas Valley or more commonly, ‘Big’ Valley, this settlement is home to three distinct Old Order Amish groups: the black-buggy driving Renno Amish, Byler Amish (yellow buggies), and the most conservative group, the ‘Nebraska’ Amish, aka ‘white-toppers’. ‘Big Valley’ is, in fact, a big valley–about 30 miles long, and around 5 miles wide at its widest.
8. Daviess County, Indiana (1868; 24 districts). This community also has Swiss roots, though Amish here use closed-top carriages and other differences exist. Daviess County Amish speak with a distinctly ‘southern’ accent.
7. Arthur, Illinois (1865; 27 districts). The largest and oldest Amish settlement in Illinois. The Arthur settlement is very entrepreneurial, with numerous Amish cabinet shop and furniture businesses scattered around the flat countryside surrounding the small town.
6. Nappanee, Indiana (ca. 1841; 37 districts). This community lies not far from the largest in Indiana, that of Elkhart/Lagrange Counties to the north-east. Similarly to that community, Nappanee Amish have been heavily involved in the RV industry. Amish Acres is a big tourist attraction here. It’s not impossible that this and the Lagrange/Elkhart settlement will ‘grow into’ one another in future, forming one even larger settlement.
5. Adams County, Indiana (1850; 47 districts). This Swiss community lies on the opposite side of Fort Wayne, Indiana from Allen County, with which it has close ties. One of the more conservative Amish settlements.
4. Geauga County, Ohio (1886; 86 districts). Ohio’s second-largest settlement, about an hour east of Cleveland. The Geauga County Amish settlement originated from the Holmes County settlement to the south.
3. Elkhart/Lagrange Counties, Indiana (1841; 133 districts). Indiana’s largest Amish settlement long thrived thanks to the RV industry. With the local economic downturn some Amish have had to look elsewhere to make a living. This community has featured heavily in recent media examinations of the Amish youth period known as Rumspringa.
2. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (ca. 1760; 171 districts). Lancaster is the most well-known, and the oldest existing Amish settlement. Lancaster is in certain ways different from most other Amish communities, for example in its ‘urban’ character. Nearly half-a-million people live in Lancaster County, with perhaps 6 or 8% of them being Amish. Holmes County, Ohio, on the other hand, is home to around 40,000 total residents, with the Amish likely comprising half the population (not including Amish in neighboring counties).
1. Holmes County, Ohio (1808; 220 districts). Holmes County is the largest and arguably most diverse Amish settlement. Amish affiliations range from the ultraconservative Swartzentruber Amish to the more progressive New Order Amish. The unusual ‘White’ Jonas Stutzman was one of the first Amish to settle here.
(Sources: Amish Studies web site; David Luthy’s Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, GAMEO)
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27 responses to The top 10 Amish settlements
wow, i didn’t realize daviess was one of the biggest ones. i guess i just had no perspective of the amish in the whole united states…
wow, i didn’t realize daviess was one of the biggest ones. i guess i just had no perspective of the amish in the whole united states…
Have you been to all of these, Erik? Does each one have it’s own “feel” to it, like are some more friendly and welcoming than others?
Also, I saw a website on Failblog called www.amish-online-dating.com and of course I went to it to see if it was a for-real website and it is! Have you ever heard of that?? Considering they don’t have electricity, do you think this is a farce?? Have a good day ~
The top 10 Amish settlements
Hi Ulane, it is but when you stack it up to the top 3, it is really still much smaller than those, which are 5-10 times larger. Still, out of 425 settlements, Daviess is near the top here
Differences between big Amish communities
Hi imH, I have been to every one except #5, Adams County Indiana, and have sold books in every one except Adams and #9, Mifflin Co. So I know the others quite well, and in many cases have met hundreds of Amish in each (though sometimes very briefly).
There is definitely a different ‘feel’ to each community, and if I had to unscientifically gauge the ones I know well (ie, the ones I’ve sold books in) and very generally speaking, I’d say the most difficult folks to make contact with are those from Allen County, IN, as well as Geauga County, OH. Allen County Amish are tough to approach across the board, but my books had a lot of success here once I got to know the community and know people here. They are nice folks beneath the tough shell. Geauga County has its more progressive and conservative sides, and I believe I spent more time in the conservative side, which I imagine made it tougher to make contact. Amish of more conservative affiliations in other communities are generally harder to connect with–ie Swartzentruber and even Andy Weaver Amish in Holmes County, for instance. As for the most ‘friendly’ community (again generally speaking, as I’ve met lots of friendly people in pretty much all of these) I’d have to say Daviess County, IN. Even other Amish, for example Amish in Arthur, Illinois, make that comment, and I found it to be true.
On the Amish online dating, I think i’m going to have to withhold comment for now(!)–though I did see a site like that and occasionally see ads. Seems a bit like a gimmick to me, as the actual Amish online community it is safe to say is tiny. But, an attention-getter, and the point is probably more likely to attract non-Amish attention.
The top 10 Amish settlements
Amish's way of life
Hi Erik,
When your next visit to any Amish’s communities I would be very grateful to you if you could pass my humble message onto the Amish brothers and sisters that I’ve entirely agreed with thier way of life; They are the real people, the obedient servants of God and follow correct way of life and do what God wants them to do and be. It’s a great priviledge having opportunity to learn about them and thier communities and above all thier throuhg faith(All Praise be to the Lord, the mighty God for these Amish existing communities.
I wish I could write them a letter so that I could tell them that I would like to speak with, at least one of an Amish sisters(if they would kindly talk with me through the post).
Also, we can talk about foods, children and pray. Also,I have got (Praise the Lord)varoius skills and knowledge in Art and craft and textles and soft furnising and other to share with.
I am in my late 40s and female and currently working full-time supporting homeless individual for a charitable organization. I am NOT promoting any businesses or asking for anythings in return especially ‘money’, not at all.
Also, it would be a dream come through to have an opportunity to visiting a Amish Family. I enjy a simple way of life, home cook foodss, making thing from scratch,I apreciate family and people in community do things for one another, Men and wemen feel contented with own duty and with good intention to please the ‘Only God’.
Many Thanks
Regards
Ayesha(Toyo)Hamilton
The top 10 Amish settlements
Erik,
How did the Pinecrest, Fl get its start? It seems most unusual to find an Amish community in a hot climate like Florida.
Florida Amish settlement in Pinecraft, Sarasota
Hi Karen, sorry to be getting to your question a bit late–the first Amish came to Pinecraft in the 1920s from Ohio. The area has continued to attract Amish for health reasons, vacation, and retirement purposes. You are right, Amish generally avoid settling in hot places in large numbers. Most of the southern Amish settlements are small. Pinecraft has remained a small community. And it is unique in certain ways.
We’ll have a Florida Amish State Guide available probably within the next 2 weeks with more info on Pinecraft. There is also a very good interview with Pinecraft native Sherry Gore if you haven’t seen it: http://amishamerica.com/taste-of-pinecraft-5-book-giveaway-and-interview-with-author-sherry-gore/
The top 10 Amish settlements
Pinecraft
Thanks for your response, but I have another question. When I asked about the religion in Pinecraft, I was told they were Amish Beachy Mennonite. What exactly is this faith? I’ve heard of Beachy Amish, but not Amish/Mennonite mixed together. Can you tell me the differences between all of these beyond what I think (?) I already understand?
For example, I know the Amish shun the use of electricity and primarily use horse/buggies or bicycles for transportation.
The Mennonite culture allows the use of electricity and vehicles; although they used to paint all the chrome black. I don’t know if this is still true or not.
Then, am I right when I say the Beachy Amish are a more progressive group? And exactly, what does that mean?
So what exactly is the primary faith in Pinecraft or is it a mix of different cultures?
The top 10 Amish settlements
Hi Karen, thanks for the question–there are many flavors of Mennonite, and the Beachy Amish are also referred to as “Beachy Amish Mennonite”.
In Pinecraft you’ll find a mix of Old Order Amish, Beachy Amish, Mennonites, and so on. It is a mix.
I’ve written a couple of short articles that may help answer some of the questions:
http://amishamerica.com/whats-the-difference-between-beachy-amish-and-old-order-amish/
http://amishamerica.com/whats-the-difference-between-amish-and-mennonites/
Hope that helps!
The top 10 Amish settlements
Amish Settlements
Hello Everyone:
Just wondering if anyone out there can tell me anything about the Amish in Kentucky. We are relocaing out that way and I never knew that the Amish had a settlement near Glasgow. Thanks for any info.
Michigan
As a Michigander…There is quite a few Amish in Michigan. Gladwin area, Manton Area, Thumb area….Have you visited any in Michigan.
Amish population in Michigan
Hi Nikki, you are right, there are quite a few Amish in MI. I haven’t been to too many communities in Michigan though, unfortunately. Hillsdale County, and I also lived for awhile in St. Joseph Co. where you find the largest Michigan Amish settlement.
If you’re interested here is more on the Michigan Amish communities: http://amishamerica.com/michigan-amish/
Daviess County is in Missouri not Indiana
Bryan C
Bryan C, there IS indeed a Daviess County, IN Amish settlement in the southern part of Indiana. The cities of Loogootee and Montgomery are located there, where you will find a very large Amish group.
I know this because I’ve been there multiple times and even had Jay Knepp make kitchen and bathroom cabinets for my new house one time. There’s a great quilt shop there too owned by Ira Wagler, a precious Amish gentleman who runs the Cannelburg Quilt Auction held next Saturday! I’m going!
That particular county is frequently in our weather warnings. Seems they attract tornadoes quite frequently! Almost every time severe weather is forecast, they are in the path.
And this is from Karen in Daviess County, Kentucky, which is about 2 hours from Davies County, Indiana! LOL
The top 10 Amish settlements
Daviess County Amish in both IN and MO
Thank you Karen from Daviess County KY
Yes, Daviess County is in both (or rather all 3 states). The larger and better-known “Daviess Co Amish” group is in Indiana. The Daviess County, Missouri Amish settlement is usually referred to as “Jamesport” after the town it’s located near:
http://amishamerica.com/missouri-amish/#jamesport
Karen I think the fellow that lent his name to all these Daviess counties was from KY
The top 10 Amish settlements
Daviess County name
Erik,
Owensboro, KY was founded by a Col Daviess originally. Apparently he traveled around a great deal!!! My tiny bit of knowledge about the county is that his group were traveling down the Ohio River and happened to stop here. Our town was originally called Yellow Banks, but later, for some reason, the name was changed. Owensboro and located in Daviess County, Kentucky. Yep, he must have been kind of like Johnny Appleseed..planting his name everywhere!
The top 10 Amish settlements
Interesting Karen, thanks. I like any place with “Daviess” in its name or history
And here I thought my little corner of the world (Jamesport, MO/Daviess County) was the only one. DOH!! Been here among the Amish going on 11-years and love it. Nearly our entire house is furnished with Amish furniture, several quilts, and various crafts. Local produce goes without saying.
Questions for Erik
Erik, we have done several Elderhostels in Amish communities, so I thought I knew quite a bit. But, wow! I can’t believe how much I DON’T know! But I am wondering if I am “missing something”, as, I don’t know why you say you visited Hillsbourough…”unfortunately”?? Please explain.
I am new to your blog — How long have you been writing it? And how far bck is it archived? I am reading your book right now, and have learned lots, even though I am not a “business person”. It has articulated some things that I had noticed on our rather frequent rips to nearby communities, but had never put into words.
I cut out Lovina’s column for my shirttail rellies in Northern Ireland……we introduced her to the Harmony, MN, community on her trip here several years ago. Keep up the GREAT work, Erik! You are helping to make our world a smaller place!!! Judy from MN
The top 10 Amish settlements
Photophobic Amish
Are there settlements that have no concern over photographing their faces or people at work? I am interested in documenting the lifestyle but concerned over invading the religious or personal values of these fine people. Our Amish in Wayne and Fountain Counties of Indiana seem to be quite personable and more than willing to interact. I’m not certain how to approach this rather touchy topic with any people of the faith.
The top 10 Amish settlements
Photography with the Amish
I am acquaintances with a formerly Amish lady who tells me they don’t really mind their pictures being taken from a distance. But, if you ask, they must say no.
I try to maintain a respectful distance when I snap. I also try to avoid full face pictures.
I’ve taken many photos of activities, farming, homes, people bicycling, people in buggies.
I think it would drive me crazy if people were forever snapping pictures of me though, I have to admit that.
Katie Troyer, who is on Facebook, is a photographer of many in the Pinecraft Community in Florida. She has pictures on her Facebook page daily of all the activities and people in the area. I believe I read once that she kind of knows who would not approve and doesn’t snap them.
The top 10 Amish settlements
Thank you...
Given that information, and knowing I don’t like to have my picture taken… my purpose is to document activities in various parts of the family… even from their perspective. We have many Amish near us and they are all so congenial and cooperative in the interaction between our communities, the only Amish who have ever raised a question were the Amish in the Berne, IN area. Our smaller community in Wayne, Fountain, and Henry counties are rather open about the use of power equipment as long as they don’t own it. I have yet to meet their Bishop (I hope that is the right term) and we will meet soon. My focus is on process rather than the people themselves.
The kids in the community are precious. As I am a retired teacher, their curious nature is really refreshing. Parents enjoy the interaction locally and their children witness these interactions frequently.
I think I get your drift.
Thanks,
Mac
The top 10 Amish settlements
North America
Headline said – largest Amish comminity in North America which would be Cuatemoc , Mexico
with 50,000
Hi Mike, not sure which headline is being referred to–though it might be talking about Plain Anabaptist populations? There is a large Old Colony Mennonite presence in Cuauhtemoc area. There are no Old Order Amish in Mexico today.
Very interesting.
Having grown up Amish on the northern edge of the Daviess County In settlement, this article is very very interesting to me. I knew Daviess county was a rather large settlement, but I didn’t know exactly how large.
I just found this site and I must say, I love it. Keep up the good work, you’ve got me hooked.
Thanks Michael, glad you found us. These numbers need updating; Daviess County is probably a couple-few church districts larger by now.
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