Once, while driving in Lancaster County farm country, my wife and I stopped to buy ears of corn from a small stand along the road directly in front of an Amish farm. The stand was unattended at the time , but very soon after, three of the most beautiful children you ever saw converged on the stand to wait on us. They were happy, eager to please and very pleasant, it was just an enjoyable experience, you almost wanted to purchase every ear of corn they had for sale. Wonderful people.
I can tell you lots of stories of the Adams County Indiana group. I have heard teens booming to Sir Mix A Lot at our local state park. They will come by our house on their way to the park jamming to all kinds of music. The teens will decorate their buggies for the summer holidays. We live in Wells County just next to Adams county. We used to live in Wayne County OH and visited Holmes County a lot to ride the bicycle trails.
Middlefield Ohio, Geauga County, 4th Largest Amish Community in the country. Orwell Ohio is 20 miles east and the area in between Middlefield and Orwell is all Amish. Great place to live, especially when you get to know your neighbors.
I spent a few months working in Morgantown Pa just up the road and was fascinated seeing Amish young people in buggies smoking and hanging dice in the rear view mirror. The locals called it sewing one's oats I believe. Also noticed parking lots at some Sunday church services full of buggies and others black vans. They seemed to have the best grocery stores there as well.
Then you got the “good” ones. In northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana we got the bad ones . They are poor at working and are money driven while trying to live their “Mafia” like culture. Don’t be fooled it’s a CULT!!!!
The countryside in Holmes county is so pretty. Just love going there and driving around to explore all the little communities - Berlin, Charm, Walnut Creek, Winesburg, Mt. Hope. Love it.
I bet you'll like that community Randy and I won't be surprised if you get to know some of your Amish neighbors well. By the way, one of our website readers in particular really likes the Dinky's auction house events - that would probably be a nice place to visit to meet some people (many Amish show up there), as well as the Amish businesses of course. Maybe you know about that already but just thought I'd mention it.
We live in Allen County! When I go to our nearest Walmart there are always lots of Amish there. One time I saw someone plowing with a team of horses as we drove by.
I'm glad you had an autumn picture when you mentioned the hilly Holmes county. There is some great driving and motorcycle riding in that area but it's just exquisite on the fall.
I love just outside or Allen county Indiana. They are so peaceful out there. And very fun to work for. And one I met had the best sense of humor and just so full of light. I miss it that way even though it’s only like 30 minutes away lol
I live in Cadillac, Michigan and we, in recent years, have acquired a large Amish presence. Most of them are Yoder’s. I need to talk to one and find out where they originated. I might think it’s safe to assume from Indiana or Ohio (then lower Michigan). I rarely see an Amish buggy in town as they seem to prefer hiring someone to drive them any long distance. I worked as a graphic designer for a printing company and had the pleasure on work with a few of them. Always very friendly. I’ve designed a lot of pickle labels, furniture store and buggy building company brochures. Their weddings must last all day, because they print elaborate songbooks with lists of all the helpers. I would LOVE to be invited to one. The food must be wonderful!
Neat. Sounds like a great community. One idea is you might ask one of your Amish friends about weddings in general. If they see you have an interest, they might just invite you to one at some point. English people do get invited to them
Thanks for posting. My family and I lived for nearly 20 years near the Arthur, IL “Old Order” Amish Community. Very interesting culture with some surprising habits. Great people!
my best friend from NW Indiana moved there with her family (Stone) after her parents divorced. I visited Arthur several times when she lived there. Went to a sleepover at a Mennonite school friend of hers.
If you want a more realistic look at Amish life you should read "Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman's Ties to Two Worlds by Saloma Miller Furlong" Many Amish at trapped into a life that they are not happy with but the pressure from the group to either stay Amish or be cut off from family and friends is too great for them to overcome.
I grew up on a farm in Lawrence Co. Pennsylvania. There is an Amish settlement there, as well. During WWII we had a 19 year old Amish man live with us so he could use our "points" to avoid the draft. Jonathan J. Byler was his name. We maintained our connection and friendship with "Yone" for many years. I could tell several Amish stories from that friendship. He later owned a farm In Volant, Pa jut a few miles from New Wilmington, the hub of Amish life in Lawrence, Co.
I live in Ohio, Adams &Allen County Indiana are our neighbors. Geneva and Berne Indiana have large Amish Population. They cross over into Ohio quite frequently for Doctors, Building etc.
I traveled many times through Millersburg to visit my grandparents in Adamsville as a child. My grandfather traded with the Amish for horses and tack, he was born in 1886 and still liked to use draft horses. I always had a high opinion of them - good people and hard working
I live next door to Arthur, Il. I was surprised to see them on the top 10 list, I didn't think it was so big. Funny thing is my daughter lives in Sarasota Florida and lots of the Arthur Amish are there in the winter.
Really appreciate hearing that Pete. For me right now the videos are a *lot* more work than a blog post. But I'm enjoying the learning curve and aiming to get better at them. This one was fun to do.
I lived in Indiana for 14 years and I had no idea there were so many Amish communities there. I went to Lancaster once, I loved it and the Amish were very nice
Ive been working in Intercourse for the past five years designing, building and operating their first public water supply. The groundwater got contaminated several years ago. Love the Amish and other plain folk. I will miss them.
Wayne County, IN Amish community has boomed in the past 4 year’s. They have bought up so much land around here and I think we now have a total of over 3,500 in the county. Lot came from Pennsylvania
Right - that was founded by Amish from Lancaster County in the 90s...funny enough there is another Lancaster-founded settlement from around the same time right on the opposite side of the state - in Parke County. I've visited that one, but not Wayne County yet. We did have a guest post on the website some years back about one of the Amish stores there (Fountain Acre Foods) - maybe you know the place? amishamerica.com/amish-wayne-county-indiana/
@@AmishAmerica Amish Acres is a great place. We love their cheese and they have a great deli counter where you can get yummy sandwiches. (I'm also in Wayne, Co. Indiana)
My husband grew up in Adams County and his parents still live there. At their house you frequently hear the open buggies clip-clopping by on the road. In bad weather everyone in the buggy uses a large umbrella. Many of his parents' neighbors are Amish, and the people across the street use a freezer in his parents' barn. :) There are several local Amish furniture manufacturers there, too. Adams County has very Amish friendly laws, and a neighboring county does not. My husband always says that Adams County seems much more warm and colorful thanks to the Amish and Mennonite culture there.
In and around the rural areas of Kalona, Iowa. Old Order. They have been there for a long time. Work hard from sunrise to sunset and their churches are full on Sundays.
Those are mostly Mennonites. Very progressive compared to the Amish. I knew one Mennonite lady who worked in X-ray dept at a hospital. Farther South in Iowa and stretching West you'll find the Amish.
@@bluyt4947 Amish community West of me does church in homes on a rotating basis.. They take turns. There is a Mennonite high school, IMS, in Kalona that has 86 students. They once had around 150.
Have you ever been to Dinky's near Daviess County? It's an Amish run auction house. I love going there and I've had great experiences with the Amish there.
Drove by it regularly when I spent 3 weeks in the area way back when but never stopped in. It seemed to be hopping on Fridays and a lot of my Amish customers would go there. I'll be sure to stop if I have the chance on a return trip
My paternal grandmother was born Amish in PA. When she was still little they moved to Ontario, Canada. She left and married my grandfather however she spoke Pennsylvania Dutch around the house.
@@AmishAmerica I grew up shopping at Amish farms, had Amish neighbors in Central PA, and am surprised too that Indiana has more of them. The thing about PA is that between Mifflin County and Lancaster County are incredible Amish farms dotted throughout those ridges and valleys. One particular egg farm near Millheim in Centre County is hiding a cave below that was once open to the public and when people sneak down into that cave, they can hear the people talking in the house above. And don't let the lifestyle fool you, they have drunks, losers and shysters too!
I was saying Indiana before you started the list. I grew up in Elkhart, Osceola, and Mishawaka IN. I am glad they use a lot of blinkers and lights on the buggies for safety. Unfortunately not all drivers are considerate of the Amish on the road.
This video is on the 10 largest communities, not states as a whole. Iowa doesn't have any of the 10 largest individual communities. But as a state, it has the #9 largest total population. I also did a video on all 31 Amish states: th-cam.com/video/54HuKEzkQX0/w-d-xo.html I like the Kalona settlement, it was one of the first I ever visited
@@AmishAmerica And they are spreading out. 60 years ago you saw very few buggies, even around Kalona. Now they are very common, even 40 miles away. Each couple having 10 kids really builds the population.
Have you ever been to Yoder Kansas? It’s much smaller then the communities you covered, only about 200. There is a big section of central Kansas populated with Mennonites who first settled in Volga Russia before coming to the United States. Of course, the Amish are just a small percentage of that larger group. Kansans know Yoder by the Carriage Crossing Restaurant where you can get amazing home style meals and amazing pies and cinnamon rolls. Another take home item is Yoder butter. I don’t know if it’s still hand churned but it seems to be better than supermarket brands.
I haven't Doug - that's an interesting one to me though, and also the Garnett community. Very old community too for its size. Carriage Crossing sounds great. Hard to turn down good cinnamon rolls.
It's a unique place. It also happens to be the oldest Amish community and that area in general has a lot of "history", which I enjoy. The little town of Strasburg, full of historic stone homes, is beautiful, for example. Not Amish really (though I think one or two families live on the edge of town), but worth a visit.
The Big Valley is so wonderful. That's where my son's pediatrician was in 1983. We lived nearby in Burnham. Love that area. Peay & Yoder are the most popular names. The farms look like hovels wit brown paper on the windows and no landscaping done
Holmes wayne and Medina counties Ohio, use to be heavy Amish. Now they live in Idaho Maryland Delaware. They have spread out from Lancaster and the Ohio communities over the years.
So I don't believe I ever have. I don't recall it an the Amish funeral or wake I attended, but I may have missed it there (Ohio). It's one on the list that I should have tried by now, but preferably not at anyone's funeral. How do you like it? amishamerica.com/what-is-amish-funeral-pie/
Hi, I live in Elkhart County, In. I am Mennonite and have in the past been a "Yoder toter" hauling Amish from Elkhart/ Lagrange county to many of the other Amish settlements in the Midwest. I have always been fascinated by the many different types of buggies that are used in different communities by different orders of Amish and Mennonites. Do you know of any websites or TH-cam channels that cover this fascinating aspect of Anabaptist communities? Also, do you know of the interesting little town of Connestota, Sd.? It has a high amount of Amish most anytime of the year, Like Pinecraft, Fl. There is No buggies there, but many "Yoder toter" Vans there... Seems there is a family of Chiropractors there that the Amish particularly like, so many make the long trips from various Amish Communities in the Midwest to get treated at this facility... All that is in town is a stop sign, a feed mill, a convenience store, a public swimming pool compliments of the Chiropractors and the 3 story hotel that is conveniently attached to the Chiropractic health center, and 3 other small hotels that cater to the Amish seeking treatment by the Family of Chiropractors... A fascinating aspect of the Amish communities that is not talked about much...
Very interesting Myron thanks for the comment. I am aware of Amish doing the long distance travel for treatment including Chiropractic. I've covered it before but more often the international side of it (Mexico etc). Unfortunately there was a bad abuse story that emerged earlier this year regarding a KC area chiropractor who drew in and treated a lot of Amish. That's nothing to do with your SD chiropractor example, but I mention it as an example of a story like this which got some news coverage (albeit for bad reasons). On a lighter note there is the Amish joke: "how do you get an Amishman on the moon" A: "Tell him there's a chiropractor there". Not sure how funny that is but you hear it. Re: buggies I cover them often enough on my site but not sure what level of depth you'd like. Here's a general overview: amishamerica.com/amish-buggy/ There are others. Also have done some videos - how a buggy works: th-cam.com/video/cQ3Z_0aKWyY/w-d-xo.html and the 6 buggy colors: th-cam.com/video/Hw_tnd2gEco/w-d-xo.html Might be more on other channels out there as well.
I'm from Crittenden Co KY, we have a very large Amish community, very friendly community, most are Yoder, Miller, Byler, Deitwiller's. Beautify country. It's a mix as to what they follow, some old world, some progressive or lean progressive. My husband and do a lot of business in the community and have made really good friends with several in the community. The younger progressive have began to move out west to Colorado.
I grew up in Allen Co., IN, and we had 2 primary communities: the Mennonite and the old order Swiss Amish. I also visit another large community often, around Mt. Davis, PA (Somerset Co.) and into Grantsville, MD, mostly Mennonite, but also older order Amish. I would have thought that the large Amish community there would have made the list -- they told me that they are the second largest Amish settlement in the State. I'm also curious how the large community in central Ohio ranks compared to this list?
The Somerset County PA community is one of the most interesting for a lot of reasons - 2nd oldest, and they use meetinghouses there. But they're actually on the medium-smallish side, despite being so old - around 6 churches (though they are larger than normal churches on average). There are about a half-dozen larger communities in PA. Which community is the one you're referring to in Ohio?
Thanks a bunch! Your channel looks really cool - I need to dig into a few more vids but I can see people are loving it, great job :) You've got what I don't have - perspective as someone originally from the Amish, which is great.
@@AmishAmerica yes but I also find your perspective very interesting. And very accurate which is almost non existent from someone who wasn’t raised Amish.
Lancaster, Ohio here. We also say Lancaster how they do in Lancaster County and can tell those that aren't from here because they say it the 2nd way instead.
Interesting. We have a number of Amish in the Ozarks- usually drive tractors, but buggies on Sunday. We have an even larger Mennonite community who drive modern trucks, etc. And many are in the poultry business, either working for larger farms or growing organic eggs using manual feeders, and a minimum of electrical equipment. Wear dark blue pants and brighter blue shirts in many cases. Unruh and Zickefoose are common names.
Have you ever visited the community in Bowling Green, Missouri? I live near them and like to drive through their community. I would like to photograph their farms/buggies but am reluctant even though they are very friendly and always wave at passersby.
I haven't been there Angela, though about 10 years ago we had a couple of guest posts from someone who visited - looks like a nice community. I'll throw the links in below for reference. Things can vary, but generally the rule is Amish don't go for posed photography (though there are exceptions to that, I've seen it on numerous occasions). Many are okay with things like farms, buggies, animals, etc., and also unposed photos are often accepted or tolerated. Have you ever stopped in to visit one of their businesses? I would suggest trying that if you haven't. I seem to remember there was a beekeeper in this community unless I'm mixing it up with another. amishamerica.com/bowling-green-missouri-amish/ amishamerica.com/bowling-green-missouri-amish-auction/
my parents and i went to adams county actually and since my mom and I new german (i wasn't as proficient), we had some interesting conversations about the german dialects differing from each other.
I live in south central Indiana and never realized that there were that many Amish. I’m originally from Kentucky and used to drive through Adams county Ohio and remember there being a large Amish community in that county.
Yes and they have really spread to a lot of new locations over the past 10-20 years. There are actually a couple communities in Adams Co. Ohio but the larger one is near West Union, so I'm guessing that might be the one you saw there.
@@AmishAmerica could be. This was back in the mid 1980’s. I was working on a project in Parkersburg, WV and was driving SR 32 every week between there and NKY near Cincinnati. I used to buy every donut he had and a pie or 2. All his pastries were awesome.
Was visiting PA and sitting at a stop sign in the middle of a corn field in Intercourse PA when I was hit by an out of control car. Had to sit in the back of a "Intercourse Police" car while they figured out why I didn't have an insurance card. (Not required in MA) My wife thought it was hilarious!
#8 my grandpa took us to the auction get big surgur cookie. As an adult enjoy going there good food, butcher shop & cheese, orchids. We call it Amish land.
Interesting video. Can you do one about what the Amish core beliefs are? Why do some use technology and others do not? How far does that use/non use go? Why do they want their own society, etc... How do they feel or interact with outsiders (variable i assume).
Glad you thought so, and I actually already did a couple videos that I think cover at least two of your questions - this one is called "Do Amish think technology is evil?" th-cam.com/video/PS28bgLA-t0/w-d-xo.html And this one is "Can you be friends with the Amish?" on relations with non-Amish people: th-cam.com/video/D9NHnxWFhRQ/w-d-xo.html I hope those cover the topics well enough but if you have any follow-ups, just let know and I'll do my best to respond.
When I was a kid and this was back in the 60s my parents could go to auction and there would be Amish family is there and if the children were away from their parents they were somewhat sociable but when their parents were around they were not permitted to talk to us I think things have changed
Once, in Lancaster, Pa, when I was young, we stopped to eat at a popular area restaurant and I saw four traditionally attired Amish teenagers, two of the boys each had a pack of WINSTON cigarettes in their shirt pockets. Decades later I learned that in some Amish communities, if you grow tobacco, you can use tobacco.
I come from the amish, my uncle is a bishop in Holmes county old order district. The amish are leaving the larger communities and moving towards more dense area so to tourism. Michigan, Kentucky, New York, and many other states amish are moving to. I’m curious where you got all your numbers from?
The figures used here are compiled each year by the Young Center at Elizabethtown College. I included the info/link in the description, but this will take you directly to the list: groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/statistics/twelve-largest-settlements-2020/ Also, the 2021 figures should be out pretty soon, as they come out in the summertime.
I live in a small Amish community in Warren County TN. Extremely conservative group, but love being part of the community. There's 33 Amish families around. I've made some very good friends with them and man can their women cook 😁
Im from Kansas City and I visit my friends in the Finger Lakes NY often. I love to buy the spices in the bulk store and to the Windmill. I love watching the kids play volleyball. I would love to know more about the New York Amish around Penn Yann. Your videos are great! I would a video about this community from you. So I can be educated on my next visit. Are there Amish in Kansas? Thank you for all you do!
if you've not done it already, can you please do a full video of every State that has Amish? As far as I know they're in almost every State, including Colorado. Thank You.
Here you go! th-cam.com/video/54HuKEzkQX0/w-d-xo.html - they're in 31 states as of recording that video, but I've lately been hearing they are now in a 32nd, to be confirmed...
We use to live close to Lancaster (Bird in Hand // Intercourse). It's beautiful. Rarely see a speck of trash. Never a beer bottle. And rarely see any State Police. Probably don't have any local police. The whole country would be much better off with more Amish people. They embrace good values that the rest of us have forgotten.
Once, while driving in Lancaster County farm country, my wife and I stopped to buy ears of corn from a small stand along the road directly in front of an Amish farm. The stand was unattended at the time , but very soon after, three of the most beautiful children you ever saw converged on the stand to wait on us. They were happy, eager to please and very pleasant, it was just an enjoyable experience, you almost wanted to purchase every ear of corn they had for sale. Wonderful people.
I am impressed. You pronounce Lancaster correctly!
I live just outside of Douglas County Illinois! We are very blessed to be so close to Arthur/Arcola! So cool to see them mentioned!
I can tell you lots of stories of the Adams County Indiana group. I have heard teens booming to Sir Mix A Lot at our local state park. They will come by our house on their way to the park jamming to all kinds of music. The teens will decorate their buggies for the summer holidays. We live in Wells County just next to Adams county. We used to live in Wayne County OH and visited Holmes County a lot to ride the bicycle trails.
Middlefield Ohio, Geauga County, 4th Largest Amish Community in the country. Orwell Ohio is 20 miles east and the area in between Middlefield and Orwell is all Amish. Great place to live, especially when you get to know your neighbors.
I live in the midst of a community in PA. Daily life is much more calm.
I grew up in Middlefield.
“The Amish had it right all along.” -Cara (sitting here in 2022, I would have to agree.)
I am a Lancaster County PA native and have to say that our Amish and Mennonite neighbors are wonderful!
It would be good to have all kids spend a summer with Amish and Mennonite communities and learn more about WORK!
I spent a few months working in Morgantown Pa just up the road and was fascinated seeing Amish young people in buggies smoking and hanging dice in the rear view mirror. The locals called it sewing one's oats I believe. Also noticed parking lots at some Sunday church services full of buggies and others black vans. They seemed to have the best grocery stores there as well.
Then you got the “good” ones. In northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana we got the bad ones . They are poor at working and are money driven while trying to live their “Mafia” like culture.
Don’t be fooled it’s a CULT!!!!
@@brookbandeen4999 oh! I guess the United States is trying to do that now! Call him a DON OR DICTATOR !
The countryside in Holmes county is so pretty. Just love going there and driving around to explore all the little communities - Berlin, Charm, Walnut Creek, Winesburg, Mt. Hope. Love it.
Orwell Ohio just east of Middlefield Ohio. 4th largest settlement in the country and growing strong. My neighbors. Love all of them.
just moved to Daviess county Indiana and trying to learn more about my new neighbors. I definitely admire the self sufficiency mindset I have seen.
I bet you'll like that community Randy and I won't be surprised if you get to know some of your Amish neighbors well. By the way, one of our website readers in particular really likes the Dinky's auction house events - that would probably be a nice place to visit to meet some people (many Amish show up there), as well as the Amish businesses of course. Maybe you know about that already but just thought I'd mention it.
Learn all you can.
I live 1 1/2 hours from Arthur and used to go to auctions up there all the time with my mom when I was younger
I live just a few minutes away from Arthur. Buggies go by my house.
I live in Medina county Ohio, and we have the Amish south west of the county. Always nice riding my bike through there.
We live in Allen County! When I go to our nearest Walmart there are always lots of Amish there. One time I saw someone plowing with a team of horses as we drove by.
I'm glad you had an autumn picture when you mentioned the hilly Holmes county. There is some great driving and motorcycle riding in that area but it's just exquisite on the fall.
Absolutely!
I love just outside or Allen county Indiana. They are so peaceful out there. And very fun to work for. And one I met had the best sense of humor and just so full of light. I miss it that way even though it’s only like 30 minutes away lol
I live in Cadillac, Michigan and we, in recent years, have acquired a large Amish presence. Most of them are Yoder’s. I need to talk to one and find out where they originated. I might think it’s safe to assume from Indiana or Ohio (then lower Michigan). I rarely see an Amish buggy in town as they seem to prefer hiring someone to drive them any long distance. I worked as a graphic designer for a printing company and had the pleasure on work with a few of them. Always very friendly. I’ve designed a lot of pickle labels, furniture store and buggy building company brochures. Their weddings must last all day, because they print elaborate songbooks with lists of all the helpers. I would LOVE to be invited to one. The food must be wonderful!
Neat. Sounds like a great community. One idea is you might ask one of your Amish friends about weddings in general. If they see you have an interest, they might just invite you to one at some point. English people do get invited to them
Thanks for posting. My family and I lived for nearly 20 years near the Arthur, IL “Old Order” Amish Community. Very interesting culture with some surprising habits. Great people!
I agree! That will always be a special part of the country to me.
I was born in Decatur Illinois and my sister now lives in Sullivan Illinois which very close to Arthur.
my best friend from NW Indiana moved there with her family (Stone) after her parents divorced. I visited Arthur several times when she lived there. Went to a sleepover at a Mennonite school friend of hers.
Wow, didn’t see that coming, thought for sure it was PA.
Me, too.
Me too
This must be heaven on earth where simplicity and serenity are still found.I wish I were a part of this community.
If you want a more realistic look at Amish life you should read "Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman's Ties to Two Worlds by Saloma Miller Furlong" Many Amish at trapped into a life that they are not happy with but the pressure from the group to either stay Amish or be cut off from family and friends is too great for them to overcome.
I grew up on a farm in Lawrence Co. Pennsylvania. There is an Amish settlement there, as well. During WWII we had a 19 year old Amish man live with us so he could use our "points" to avoid the draft. Jonathan J. Byler was his name. We maintained our connection and friendship with "Yone" for many years. I could tell several Amish stories from that friendship. He later owned a farm In Volant, Pa jut a few miles from New Wilmington, the hub of Amish life in Lawrence, Co.
Interesting, greetings from England 🏴
I live in Ohio, Adams &Allen County Indiana are our neighbors.
Geneva and Berne Indiana have large Amish Population.
They cross over into Ohio quite frequently for Doctors, Building etc.
I live in Madison County Indiana...part of my family lived in Berne
I traveled many times through Millersburg to visit my grandparents in Adamsville as a child. My grandfather traded with the Amish for horses and tack, he was born in 1886 and still liked to use draft horses.
I always had a high opinion of them - good people and hard working
Thank you for sharing this. I find the Amish lifestyle fascinating and, thanks to you, it’s no longer difficult to research.
I live next door to Arthur, Il. I was surprised to see them on the top 10 list, I didn't think it was so big. Funny thing is my daughter lives in Sarasota Florida and lots of the Arthur Amish are there in the winter.
Wonderful video. So glad you are doing TH-cam now - thanks.
Really appreciate hearing that Pete. For me right now
the videos are a *lot* more work than a blog post. But I'm enjoying the learning curve and aiming to get better at them. This one was fun to do.
Very fascinating video. I am 60 minutes from Lancaster and love visiting there. So beautiful
Thanks Susan! Great area to be near
I lived in Indiana for 14 years and I had no idea there were so many Amish communities there. I went to Lancaster once, I loved it and the Amish were very nice
I grew up in Geauga County near Middlefield. Shopped in a lot of the same stores.
I grew up in Ashtabula county I seen Amish people all the time
Thank you for pronouncing Lancaster correctly!!!
Gladly!
Lancaster county Pennsylvania I'm very familiar with. Very nice people. I envy the way they live.😇
I'm a transplanted Ohio girl. I live in Indiana now. I have visited the Amish in Holmes County and all over the northern part of Indiana.
The closest amish to the urban cities i have seen was in Homeville, Pennsylvania, 40 miles from Philadelphia, 12 to coatesville, 24 to Wilmington de
Fascinating, Thankyou once again. 🇬🇧🙂
In the last 20 years the Amish are moving into Western NY, able to buy up farms that are mostly abandoned.
It's been a very attractive state for the Amish over that time.
True, I lived at Upstate NY. We have seen lots of Amish near where I lived.
Ive been working in Intercourse for the past five years designing, building and operating their first public water supply. The groundwater got contaminated several years ago. Love the Amish and other plain folk. I will miss them.
Intercourse... just a hoot from Blue Ball and a holler from Paradise.
I’ve visited the Lancaster area a few times in 08-11. I met some Pretty nice folks and had some of their customs explain by them.
Wayne County, IN Amish community has boomed in the past 4 year’s. They have bought up so much land around here and I think we now have a total of over 3,500 in the county. Lot came from Pennsylvania
Right - that was founded by Amish from Lancaster County in the 90s...funny enough there is another Lancaster-founded settlement from around the same time right on the opposite side of the state - in Parke County. I've visited that one, but not Wayne County yet. We did have a guest post on the website some years back about one of the Amish stores there (Fountain Acre Foods) - maybe you know the place? amishamerica.com/amish-wayne-county-indiana/
@@AmishAmerica Amish Acres is a great place. We love their cheese and they have a great deli counter where you can get yummy sandwiches. (I'm also in Wayne, Co. Indiana)
We were in Lancaster last week, and that's one thing I learned - the pronunciation of Lancaster.
My husband grew up in Adams County and his parents still live there. At their house you frequently hear the open buggies clip-clopping by on the road. In bad weather everyone in the buggy uses a large umbrella.
Many of his parents' neighbors are Amish, and the people across the street use a freezer in his parents' barn. :) There are several local Amish furniture manufacturers there, too.
Adams County has very Amish friendly laws, and a neighboring county does not. My husband always says that Adams County seems much more warm and colorful thanks to the Amish and Mennonite culture there.
I'm from jay county south of there
I used to have a amish landlord in Lancaster PA the whole area is full of Amish they where all very nice
In and around the rural areas of Kalona, Iowa. Old Order. They have been there for a long time. Work hard from sunrise to sunset and their churches are full on Sundays.
Those are mostly Mennonites. Very progressive compared to the Amish. I knew one Mennonite lady who worked in X-ray dept at a hospital. Farther South in Iowa and stretching West you'll find the Amish.
Thought they had church service in their homes ?
@@bluyt4947 Amish community West of me does church in homes on a rotating basis.. They take turns. There is a Mennonite high school, IMS, in Kalona that has 86 students. They once had around 150.
Have you ever been to Dinky's near Daviess County? It's an Amish run auction house. I love going there and I've had great experiences with the Amish there.
Drove by it regularly when I spent 3 weeks in the area way back when but never stopped in. It seemed to be hopping on Fridays and a lot of my Amish customers would go there. I'll be sure to stop if I have the chance on a return trip
@@AmishAmerica i highly recommend it! You never know what you will find at Dinkys!
I live about 10 min from dinkys I love it😂 my grandma actually has a stand there
We have a bunch in Ontario in the St Jacob's area. Most are named Martin
I have been to Arthur, IL and Napannee and Shipshewana in Indiana.
Beautiful way of life.
I totally agree; tryiing to live sustainable as well and not rely on the grid.
I appreciate the correct pronunciation of Lancaster! As a western Pennsylvanian, I learned that the hard way when I went off to Penn State.
Live in Berks county PA, right next door and love it.
My paternal grandmother was born Amish in PA. When she was still little they moved to Ontario, Canada. She left and married my grandfather however she spoke Pennsylvania Dutch around the house.
Holmes County Ohio is going to be the first Amish majority county in the United States of many more to come!
I’m from Geauga county Ohio and I think number 4 is right in the place.
Interesting video, I would have guessed PA for the question.
Thanks, and definitely a reasonable guess, given the Amish association with that state.
@@AmishAmerica I grew up shopping at Amish farms, had Amish neighbors in Central PA, and am surprised too that Indiana has more of them. The thing about PA is that between Mifflin County and Lancaster County are incredible Amish farms dotted throughout those ridges and valleys. One particular egg farm near Millheim in Centre County is hiding a cave below that was once open to the public and when people sneak down into that cave, they can hear the people talking in the house above. And don't let the lifestyle fool you, they have drunks, losers and shysters too!
I thought that too, there are a lot of Amish here in Jefferson county PA!
I was saying Indiana before you started the list. I grew up in Elkhart, Osceola, and Mishawaka IN. I am glad they use a lot of blinkers and lights on the buggies for safety. Unfortunately not all drivers are considerate of the Amish on the road.
Nicely done - you know your state and Amish :) And I agree, (preventable) accidents happen much too often.
yes. my guess was PA, OH or IN
The Kutztown area in Berks county PA, lots of Amish/Mennonites. Hex signs everywhere.
I grew up around the amish community around seymour mo. I used to go over and hang out with the other kids. Definitely a very different way of life
That must have been an interesting experience Dan. Seymour is a pretty plain community
Menonites too in Lancaster PENNSYLVANIA.
I’m surprised Iowa didn’t make your list - Kalona and several other communities near Iowa City. Great people, enjoy their auctions.
This video is on the 10 largest communities, not states as a whole. Iowa doesn't have any of the 10 largest individual communities. But as a state, it has the #9 largest total population. I also did a video on all 31 Amish states: th-cam.com/video/54HuKEzkQX0/w-d-xo.html I like the Kalona settlement, it was one of the first I ever visited
@@AmishAmerica And they are spreading out. 60 years ago you saw very few buggies, even around Kalona. Now they are very common, even 40 miles away. Each couple having 10 kids really builds the population.
Their way of life looks great right now. I wish I lived in their community.
I agree!
I think I would like living a 'plain' life - not sure I could do without indoor plumbing and electricity, though!
Have you ever been to Yoder Kansas? It’s much smaller then the communities you covered, only about 200. There is a big section of central Kansas populated with Mennonites who first settled in Volga Russia before coming to the United States. Of course, the Amish are just a small percentage of that larger group.
Kansans know Yoder by the Carriage Crossing Restaurant where you can get amazing home style meals and amazing pies and cinnamon rolls. Another take home item is Yoder butter. I don’t know if it’s still hand churned but it seems to be better than supermarket brands.
I haven't Doug - that's an interesting one to me though, and also the Garnett community. Very old community too for its size. Carriage Crossing sounds great. Hard to turn down good cinnamon rolls.
Ive passed by Lancaster before .It was beautiful..Never had a chance to meet anybody there...Maybe after the pandemic I'll visit again...
It's a unique place. It also happens to be the oldest Amish community and that area in general has a lot of "history", which I enjoy. The little town of Strasburg, full of historic stone homes, is beautiful, for example. Not Amish really (though I think one or two families live on the edge of town), but worth a visit.
@@AmishAmerica wow..Didn't know that..
I feel so fortunate...as a Filipino,Only a few get a chance to see such a beautiful place...
The Big Valley is so wonderful. That's where my son's pediatrician was in 1983. We lived nearby in Burnham. Love that area. Peay & Yoder are the most popular names. The farms look like hovels wit brown paper on the windows and no landscaping done
The Amish in Michigan also produce Maple Syrup as well as farming and raising dairy cattle!
This is very fascinating to me !!! Thank you!
I am from the UK, they work so hard .I know most of their life is religious. I quite envy the simple way they live
Holmes wayne and Medina counties Ohio, use to be heavy Amish. Now they live in Idaho Maryland Delaware. They have spread out from Lancaster and the Ohio communities over the years.
Michigan has a lot of Amish in the west north of Cadillac Michigan in the farming communities!
Just played golf in Alient Pa and saw an Amish horse and wagon pass by the course.
I was curious as I always am about geography so I googled the town, but didn't find it. What county is that?
@@AmishAmerica Sorry I mispelled. It was Atglen Pa.
Elkhart Indiana is the RV capital of the world. It's definitely they're biggest industry up there.
Very informative.
So I don't believe I ever have. I don't recall it an the Amish funeral or wake I attended, but I may have missed it there (Ohio). It's one on the list that I should have tried by now, but preferably not at anyone's funeral. How do you like it? amishamerica.com/what-is-amish-funeral-pie/
@2:42 purple martin house's, eat alot of flying insects, they are swallows.
Yes they use them as a natural insect killer since they have a lot of farm animals
Hi, I live in Elkhart County, In. I am Mennonite and have in the past been a "Yoder toter" hauling Amish from Elkhart/ Lagrange county to many of the other Amish settlements in the Midwest. I have always been fascinated by the many different types of buggies that are used in different communities by different orders of Amish and Mennonites. Do you know of any websites or TH-cam channels that cover this fascinating aspect of Anabaptist communities?
Also, do you know of the interesting little town of Connestota, Sd.? It has a high amount of Amish most anytime of the year, Like Pinecraft, Fl. There is No buggies there, but many "Yoder toter" Vans there... Seems there is a family of Chiropractors there that the Amish particularly like, so many make the long trips from various Amish Communities in the Midwest to get treated at this facility... All that is in town is a stop sign, a feed mill, a convenience store, a public swimming pool compliments of the Chiropractors and the 3 story hotel that is conveniently attached to the Chiropractic health center, and 3 other small hotels that cater to the Amish seeking treatment by the Family of Chiropractors... A fascinating aspect of the Amish communities that is not talked about much...
Very interesting Myron thanks for the comment. I am aware of Amish doing the long distance travel for treatment including Chiropractic. I've covered it before but more often the international side of it (Mexico etc). Unfortunately there was a bad abuse story that emerged earlier this year regarding a KC area chiropractor who drew in and treated a lot of Amish. That's nothing to do with your SD chiropractor example, but I mention it as an example of a story like this which got some news coverage (albeit for bad reasons). On a lighter note there is the Amish joke: "how do you get an Amishman on the moon" A: "Tell him there's a chiropractor there". Not sure how funny that is but you hear it.
Re: buggies I cover them often enough on my site but not sure what level of depth you'd like. Here's a general overview: amishamerica.com/amish-buggy/ There are others.
Also have done some videos - how a buggy works: th-cam.com/video/cQ3Z_0aKWyY/w-d-xo.html
and the 6 buggy colors: th-cam.com/video/Hw_tnd2gEco/w-d-xo.html
Might be more on other channels out there as well.
I'm from Crittenden Co KY, we have a very large Amish community, very friendly community, most are Yoder, Miller, Byler, Deitwiller's. Beautify country. It's a mix as to what they follow, some old world, some progressive or lean progressive. My husband and do a lot of business in the community and have made really good friends with several in the community. The younger progressive have began to move out west to Colorado.
I live in Crittenden Country also. I think we have the 2nd largest population of Amish in Kentucky.
I grew up in Allen Co., IN, and we had 2 primary communities: the Mennonite and the old order Swiss Amish. I also visit another large community often, around Mt. Davis, PA (Somerset Co.) and into Grantsville, MD, mostly Mennonite, but also older order Amish. I would have thought that the large Amish community there would have made the list -- they told me that they are the second largest Amish settlement in the State.
I'm also curious how the large community in central Ohio ranks compared to this list?
The Somerset County PA community is one of the most interesting for a lot of reasons - 2nd oldest, and they use meetinghouses there. But they're actually on the medium-smallish side, despite being so old - around 6 churches (though they are larger than normal churches on average). There are about a half-dozen larger communities in PA.
Which community is the one you're referring to in Ohio?
Haha. You know more about Amish than I do. Great vids!
Thanks a bunch! Your channel looks really cool - I need to dig into a few more vids but I can see people are loving it, great job :) You've got what I don't have - perspective as someone originally from the Amish, which is great.
@@AmishAmerica yes but I also find your perspective very interesting. And very accurate which is almost non existent from someone who wasn’t raised Amish.
Thank you I do appreciate that!
Lancaster, Ohio here. We also say Lancaster how they do in Lancaster County and can tell those that aren't from here because they say it the 2nd way instead.
Interesting. We have a number of Amish in the Ozarks- usually drive tractors, but buggies on Sunday. We have an even larger Mennonite community who drive modern trucks, etc. And many are in the poultry business, either working for larger farms or growing organic eggs using manual feeders, and a minimum of electrical equipment. Wear dark blue pants and brighter blue shirts in many cases. Unruh and Zickefoose are common names.
Have you ever visited the community in Bowling Green, Missouri? I live near them and like to drive through their community. I would like to photograph their farms/buggies but am reluctant even though they are very friendly and always wave at passersby.
I haven't been there Angela, though about 10 years ago we had a couple of guest posts from someone who visited - looks like a nice community. I'll throw the links in below for reference. Things can vary, but generally the rule is Amish don't go for posed photography (though there are exceptions to that, I've seen it on numerous occasions). Many are okay with things like farms, buggies, animals, etc., and also unposed photos are often accepted or tolerated. Have you ever stopped in to visit one of their businesses? I would suggest trying that if you haven't. I seem to remember there was a beekeeper in this community unless I'm mixing it up with another. amishamerica.com/bowling-green-missouri-amish/ amishamerica.com/bowling-green-missouri-amish-auction/
my parents and i went to adams county actually and since my mom and I new german (i wasn't as proficient), we had some interesting conversations about the german dialects differing from each other.
I live in south central Indiana and never realized that there were that many Amish. I’m originally from Kentucky and used to drive through Adams county Ohio and remember there being a large Amish community in that county.
Yes and they have really spread to a lot of new locations over the past 10-20 years. There are actually a couple communities in Adams Co. Ohio but the larger one is near West Union, so I'm guessing that might be the one you saw there.
@@AmishAmerica could be. This was back in the mid 1980’s. I was working on a project in Parkersburg, WV and was driving SR 32 every week between there and NKY near Cincinnati. I used to buy every donut he had and a pie or 2. All his pastries were awesome.
Was visiting PA and sitting at a stop sign in the middle of a corn field in Intercourse PA when I was hit by an out of control car. Had to sit in the back of a "Intercourse Police" car while they figured out why I didn't have an insurance card. (Not required in MA) My wife thought it was hilarious!
Yes that's were they filmed the movie "For Richer or Poorer " with Tim Allen and Kristy Alley....funny movie about the Amish lifestyle
I read that there is a new very little one in Lincoln County/Maine (only same families) Going there in june😊
#8 my grandpa took us to the auction get big surgur cookie. As an adult enjoy going there good food, butcher shop & cheese, orchids. We call it Amish land.
Interesting video. Can you do one about what the Amish core beliefs are? Why do some use technology and others do not? How far does that use/non use go? Why do they want their own society, etc... How do they feel or interact with outsiders (variable i assume).
Glad you thought so, and I actually already did a couple videos that I think cover at least two of your questions - this one is called "Do Amish think technology is evil?" th-cam.com/video/PS28bgLA-t0/w-d-xo.html
And this one is "Can you be friends with the Amish?" on relations with non-Amish people: th-cam.com/video/D9NHnxWFhRQ/w-d-xo.html
I hope those cover the topics well enough but if you have any follow-ups, just let know and I'll do my best to respond.
Also Neighboring Holmes county is west of Medina county and part of Ashland and Knox county too.
Excellent. Thank you.
When I was a kid and this was back in the 60s my parents could go to auction and there would be Amish family is there and if the children were away from their parents they were somewhat sociable but when their parents were around they were not permitted to talk to us I think things have changed
Changed? Nope.
Once, in Lancaster, Pa, when I was young, we stopped to eat at a popular area restaurant and I saw four traditionally attired Amish teenagers, two of the boys each had a pack of WINSTON cigarettes in their shirt pockets. Decades later I learned that in some Amish communities, if you grow tobacco, you can use tobacco.
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, And Illinois have some of the biggest Amish areas.
I come from the amish, my uncle is a bishop in Holmes county old order district. The amish are leaving the larger communities and moving towards more dense area so to tourism. Michigan, Kentucky, New York, and many other states amish are moving to. I’m curious where you got all your numbers from?
The figures used here are compiled each year by the Young Center at Elizabethtown College. I included the info/link in the description, but this will take you directly to the list: groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/statistics/twelve-largest-settlements-2020/
Also, the 2021 figures should be out pretty soon, as they come out in the summertime.
You mentioned the Amish working at an RV factory- if I’m not badly mistaken Jayco RV was started by Amish
Hello lots of people go to intercourse/strasburg area… but can you do a video on bartville/georgetown/kirkwood area the old order
I live in a small Amish community in Warren County TN. Extremely conservative group, but love being part of the community. There's 33 Amish families around. I've made some very good friends with them and man can their women cook 😁
We have a mudsill here in Somerset County it's called Luce's auction my late husband used to take me and it is Muddy
Neat, I never heard of that one. Is it in early spring?
@@AmishAmerica it's two times a year in April and I believe the end of September is the second one it's right outside of Rockwood PA
Neat, good to know, thanks. I wonder if that term mud sale will start showing up in more and more Amish places.
My cousin lives in Osseo, MI, the Amish there have known to come ask for a ride to town. I MI has a few Amish communities. TFS
1:10 a yellow buggie? that's a taxi. there must be A LOT of amish in that county. too need taxis!!
My guess at the beginning of the video was Indiana for the biggest Amish communities but then I live in Middlebury.
Well done :)
Im from Kansas City and I visit my friends in the Finger Lakes NY often. I love to buy the spices in the bulk store and to the Windmill. I love watching the kids play volleyball. I would love to know more about the New York Amish around Penn Yann. Your videos are great! I would a video about this community from you. So I can be educated on my next visit. Are there Amish in Kansas? Thank you for all you do!
There is here on the Missouri side.
there are amish in yoder,ks...southeast of hutchinson on k-96
if you've not done it already, can you please do a full video of every State that has Amish? As far as I know they're in almost every State, including Colorado. Thank You.
Here you go! th-cam.com/video/54HuKEzkQX0/w-d-xo.html - they're in 31 states as of recording that video, but I've lately been hearing they are now in a 32nd, to be confirmed...
We use to live close to Lancaster (Bird in Hand // Intercourse).
It's beautiful.
Rarely see a speck of trash. Never a beer bottle.
And rarely see any State Police. Probably don't have any local police.
The whole country would be much better off with more Amish people.
They embrace good values that the rest of us have forgotten.
🇯🇲 love this want to know more.
I live near Arthur. I love the area.