Amish Communities

5 (Mid-Decade) Amish Population Facts That Might Surprise You

Where have the Amish been settling lately? How rapidly are they growing? Where are the Amish “hot spots” on the map? Over the past half-decade or so, the Amish have boosted their presence on the US (and world) map by adding communities in new, often never-before-settled places. These include four new states (Vermont, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho), a pair of Canadian provinces (New Brunswick and Prince Edward…

The Amish of Canton, Missouri (42 Photos)

The Amish of Canton, Missouri (42 Photos)

Don Burke shares some photos from a visit to the Amish community at Canton, Missouri (Lewis County). This nearly four-decade-old settlement was three church districts in size as of last year (2023). Canton is one of many Amish places in the Show-Me State. Today Amish live in over 60 locations in Missouri. These photos were actually taken in early 2015. I hope you enjoy this…

Visiting the Walker Valley Market (Pearisburg, VA Amish)

Visiting the Walker Valley Market (Pearisburg, VA Amish)

Two years ago, reader Shawn gave us a nice look at the Giles County, Virginia Amish community (also referred to by the name of Pearisburg, an area town). This Appalachian community is tucked away in the scenic mountains of western Virginia. Though I’ve previously visited Amish in VA and have passed within shouting distance several times on visits to Amish Ohio, regrettably I’ve never stopped in…

A 3-Part Look At A New York Amish Settlement

A 3-Part Look At A New York Amish Settlement

As of 2016, there are over 500 Amish-settled locations in the world. Most of those communities are quite small. For every large settlement like Lancaster County there are dozens of 1- and 2-church district communities. The Glens Falls Post-Star recently published a well-written and researched 3-part look at one of those small settlements, a relatively new Amish outpost in eastern New York. Amish moved into the Whitehall…

Visiting the Amish of Big Valley – Part 3: Out In The Valley

After last week’s look at the Belleville auction and Amish farming, Jerry returns to take us on a little drive through Big Valley: The Big Valley is alive and well with Amish settlements. When you drive out into the country you see schools everywhere. It almost appears that you can find one every four miles. Most look fairly new, simple, modest one room structures with…

Visiting The Amish of Big Valley – Part 2: Milk Cans & Farm Runoff

Visiting The Amish of Big Valley – Part 2: Milk Cans & Farm Runoff

After Tuesday’s visit to the Belleville auction and market, Jerry continues with a look at two aspects of farming among Amish in Big Valley. Below you’ll find more on one old-fashioned technology still in use in this community, and on an environmental challenge involving Amish farmers. Thanks to Jerry’s report, I learned more than I thought there was to know about the cans some Amish use to…

Visiting The Amish of Big Valley – Part 1: The Belleville Market & Auction

Visiting The Amish of Big Valley – Part 1: The Belleville Market & Auction

The Amish settlement located at Kishacoquillas Valley in Pennsylvania is one of America’s oldest and arguably its most colorful, at least in a literal sense. While it’s rather off the beaten path, found in central Pennsylvania about two hours from Lancaster County, this community is pretty well-known for its three main Amish affiliations, each of which uses a different-colored buggy top. The Nebraska Amish can…

Prince Edward Island To Become 3rd Canadian Province With An Amish Population

Prince Edward Island To Become 3rd Canadian Province With An Amish Population

Amish have been considering a move to Canada’s Prince Edward Island province since 2014. With the recent purchase of land by members of two different Ontario communities, it looks like that is about to happen. From peicanada.com: Mr Wallbank recently moved to the Dundas area from Ontario himself, purchasing a farm where he will be doing draft horse farming similar to the Amish. Currently there…

A Thanksgiving Visit to The Amish of Clark, Missouri (22 Photos)

A Thanksgiving Visit to The Amish of Clark, Missouri (22 Photos)

What happens in an Amish community at Thanksgiving? Today Don Burke takes us through the Amish community at Clark, Missouri to give us an outside visitor’s perspective. These photos were actually taken over Thanksgiving in 2014 (see Don’s full sets here and here). I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Day from a Passerby’s Perspective It is an autumn day, late in the…

The Amish In Idaho

The Amish In Idaho

Since 2012 there has been a small community of Amish people in eastern Idaho, not far from the town of Salmon (Lemhi County). This video report takes us to an Amish-owned market owned by the Paul Miller family. Locals seem pleased to have the Amish in town: The bulk of the above video is on the Miller family’s Country Market and the produce, cheese, and…