Amish Pioneering in Nebraska’s Sandhills: Amish In Nebraska
In the heart of Cherry County, Nebraska, where the vast expanse of the Sandhills stretches endlessly, a quiet but remarkable migration is unfolding. Amidst the rugged, open prairies and the solitude that defines this region, a band of Amish families from Michigan and Kentucky is establishing roots, marking a unique chapter in the narrative of the area.
Their journey to Kilgore, a serene spot nestled in the Sandhills, is a departure from the traditional Amish landscape of the East—farmlands, green pastures, and iconic barns. Here, in this untamed terrain populated by black beef cattle and overlooked by starry skies, the Amish newcomers are weaving their way into the fabric of the landscape.
Reuben Miller, the 46-year-old bishop leading this pioneering community, speaks of a yearning for the West, a desire to escape the bustle of populated regions. Clad in the customary Amish attire, Miller recounts the relocation of his family—selling their 160-acre farm in Michigan’s Holton to settle on a 5,038-acre ranch along the Niobrara River, south of Kilgore.
Their settlement, currently a modest but growing enclave, might soon burgeon to encompass 15 to 20 families, rivaling even some of the established communities in the county. But with this growth comes a palpable concern of being perceived as ‘interlopers,’ reshaping the landscape and dynamics of the area they’ve chosen to call home.
The choice of this specific locale was deliberate—a quest for ample water, varied topography, and a departure from the flatlands. Miller quips about a neighboring settlement in Lewiston, Montana, where the flatness seems interminable, humorously suggesting it’s a place where one can observe a dog running for days on end.
Their reception in the local community has been heartening, in stark contrast to previous experiences elsewhere. Unlike Montana, where their foray wasn’t as welcomed, the warm embrace of Cherry County has made the transition smoother.
The Amish diaspora isn’t a novelty restricted to Nebraska; it’s a trend echoing across the nation. The crowded traditional homelands in the East are pushing these communities to seek new frontiers. Fatal accidents involving horse-drawn buggies have also nudged them toward more remote locales, away from the urban sprawl.
Nebraska itself has witnessed the ebb and flow of Amish settlements since the late 1800s, marked by communities in various regions that have come and gone. The recent surge in settlements, totaling close to 450 Amish individuals across the state, represents a varied spectrum—some staunchly adhering to age-old customs, while others embracing certain modern conveniences.
The Kilgore settlement embodies a balance—a subtle fusion of tradition and adaptation. While their lifestyle shuns televisions and minimizes exposure to the outside world, they’ve selectively incorporated elements of modernity. Landlines, battery-powered tools, and solar panels coexist with the absence of lavish vacations and extravagant spending.
Their work ethic is unwavering—they’ve invested in businesses like saw sharpening and log-home kit production. Yet, their aspiration isn’t just financial; it’s about fostering a livelihood where work intertwines with family proximity.
Their narrative echoes a timeless desire—home, family, and a farm for their children. The land along the Niobrara River symbolizes this aspiration—a place where the Amish identity thrives amidst scenic landscapes and abundant hunting grounds.
For Miller and his community, simplicity isn’t just a cultural tenet; it’s a way of life, an assertion against the encroachment of modernity that they believe erodes values and integrity.
Their integration into the local workforce is lauded by neighboring residents, who acknowledge their contribution to construction and skilled labor. From concrete pouring to barn relocation, the Amish have woven themselves into the fabric of the community, earning respect and admiration for their craftsmanship and dedication.
In a world perpetually racing forward, the Amish settlement in Nebraska’s Sandhills stands as a testament to the enduring allure of tradition, family, and the pursuit of a simpler existence amidst the vast expanse of the heartland.