Where Do The Amish Come From? (A Brief History)

The Amish have their origins in Europe. The group emerged in the late 1600s out of the broader Anabaptist movement. Today the Amish are among the most easily recognizable peoples in North America.

For some, they may seem a living remnant of a bygone era, or a people stubbornly clinging to outdated ways. But where do Amish people come from, and how did they end up here?

1. Origins in Europe
2. The Anabaptist Story
3. Amish & Mennonites Diverge
4. Leaving Europe for the New World
5. Amish growth in America

Amish Origins in Europe

The Amish are a product of the Protestant revolution in Europe. In the early 1500’s a group of devout Christians in Zurich, Switzerland developed a set of beliefs counter to both the state Catholic church as well as the Protestant groups that rebelled against it.

Among other beliefs, this group of Swiss Brethren felt strongly that individuals should be baptized as adults, not infants. They also believed in a Scriptural doctrine of nonresistance, which would prevent them from doing military service or any other acts of violence.

Due to their belief in adult baptism, this group was given the derogatory name “Anabaptists”, which literally means “rebaptizers”.

The Anabaptist story

Early Anabaptist history is bloody. Anabaptists were seen as undermining the power of the State church. Refusing infant baptism, and rejecting participation in wars, were dangerous ideas that lessened the State’s control over the people.

For their threatening beliefs they were persecuted—captured, tortured and in some cases killed. As a result, they were forced to worship in secret.

Over time, Anabaptist people found refuge in various locations throughout Europe, including parts of Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, and even as far east as Poland and Russia.

In Europe, they developed methods of farming to make the best of the poor-quality lands they were forced to inhabit. In the process they developed a strong agricultural reputation.

Amish and Mennonites diverge

One of the more conservative segments of Anabaptists became known as Mennonites, named after an early leader, a Catholic priest convert named Menno Simons.  The Mennonite group later experienced tension due to conflicting beliefs.

One leader named Jakob Amman disagreed with the practices of some of his brethren, maintaining that they had become too permissive. Among other issues, he believed in a more strict interpretation of the doctrine of shunning, or social avoidance.

This disagreement led to conflict among the Mennonites, resulting in the eventual split of Amman and his followers from the Mennonite group in 1693. This more conservative contingent became known as “Amish”.

When did the Amish come to America?

Amish first began arriving in America in the early-to-mid 1700s, attracted by the promise of religious freedom in “Penn’s land” (modern-day Pennsylvania). Amish had been largely landless tenant farmers in Europe, so the chance to own their own land was attractive as well.

Early Amish arrivals settled in southeastern Pennsylvania. One of the original settlements became the well-known community at Lancaster County.

The Amish grow and spread

As more and more Amish arrived through the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Amish communities grew. Amish settled in new areas outside of Pennsylvania, including Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and Illinois.

Some of the early Amish assimilated with society and in some cases became more modern Mennonite congregations. The last Amish settlement in Europe ceased to exist in 1937.

The segment of Amish society which chose the more conservative path became known as the Old Order, also known as “horse-and-buggy” Amish. The Old Order Amish are found in 32 states and Canada, and number over 350,000 today.

As Amish society has integrated into the American melting pot, they’ve been forced to adapt in many ways, including accepting greater degrees of technology. Many have also responded to rising land prices by taking up entrepreneurial pursuits in lieu of farming, and have enjoyed a significant degree of business success.

Notably, Amish have played a part in significant public events, including the 1972 Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court decision which effectively granted them control over their children’s education. Amish beliefs took center stage in 2006 following a shooting at an Amish school in Pennsylvania, after which Amish forgave the perpetrator who had taken their children’s lives.

Amish tradition through history

Throughout their history, Amish have had to adapt to persecution, societal change, and other external influences. Over time, Amish society has evolved and changed while remaining mindful of tradition and religious values.

The Amish are also aware of their history and roots in Europe and the broader Anabaptist movement. As a religious minority, Amish people know where they come from, and have a sense of themselves in a broader historical and genealogical timeline.

For more, see:

• Are the Amish German?
• Who were the Anabaptists?
• Mennonite vs Amish: What’s the Difference?
• Do Amish live in Europe?
• The 10 Oldest Amish Communities
• Amish Communities: 32-State Guide
• A History of the Amish, Steven M. Nolt

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