Amish Families Seek New Beginnings in Tennessee’s Rolling Hills
A group of 10 Amish families from Ohio has recently settled in the picturesque countryside of Giles County, Tennessee, establishing a new community that locals are calling “New Hope Settlement.” The families, comprising about 60 individuals, arrived last month ready to start a new chapter in their lives[1][3].
The decision to move was driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for affordable farmland and a simpler lifestyle. John Yoder, one of the community leaders, explained, “We were drawn to Tennessee’s beautiful landscape and the opportunity to build a community that aligns with our values[2].”
The new settlement has been warmly welcomed by local residents. Sarah Thompson, who owns a general store in the nearby town, said, “It’s exciting to see new faces in our area. The Amish bring with them a wealth of farming knowledge and craftsmanship that we can all learn from[6].”
The Amish families have already begun setting up their farms and workshops. They plan to focus on dairy farming, furniture making, and traditional crafts. Local authorities have been working with the community to ensure a smooth transition, particularly regarding road safety for horse-drawn buggies[7].
Giles County Mayor Tom Benson expressed his support for the new residents: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Amish to our county. Their presence adds to our cultural diversity and brings new economic opportunities to the region[3].”
Establishing a New Community
When the Amish settled in Ethridge, Tennessee, they faced challenges similar to those experienced by other Amish communities:
Land Acquisition: Finding affordable farmland suitable for their traditional agricultural practices would have been crucial[4].
Infrastructure Development: The Amish would have needed to build their homes, barns, and one-room schoolhouses from scratch[1][5].
Maintaining Traditional Lifestyle
The Swartzentruber Amish in Ethridge, Tennessee, adhere to a strict old-world order:
- They do not use electricity, computers, phones, cars, or modern farm equipment[4].
- This commitment to traditional ways likely posed challenges in adapting to a new environment while preserving their cultural practices.
Relationship with Local Authorities
Based on experiences in other states, the Amish in Tennessee may have faced:
Educational Concerns: Potential conflicts with local education authorities regarding their preference for one-room schoolhouses and education only through the eighth grade[1][3].
Legal and Regulatory Issues: Possible challenges related to building codes, road safety for horse-drawn buggies, and other regulations that might conflict with their traditional practices[1][3].
Economic Adaptation
The Amish in Ethridge have developed strategies to thrive economically:
- They focus on farming, craftsmanship, and selling goods to visitors[4].
- Adapting their skills and products to meet local market demands while maintaining their traditional methods likely presented initial challenges.
While these challenges are not specifically documented for Tennessee, they represent common issues faced by Amish communities establishing new settlements across America.
As the New Hope Settlement takes root, it joins the growing number of Amish communities in Tennessee, further enriching the state’s cultural tapestry[3][6].
Citations:
[1] https://amishofethridge.com/amish-in-tennessee-14/
[2] https://downeast.com/features/thesettlers/
[3] https://amishamerica.com/tennessee-amish/
[4] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/10/tennessee-amish-growth/1625695/
[5] https://amishofethridge.com/southern-tennessee-amish-map-10/
[6] https://www.amish365.com/amish-in-tennessee/
[7] https://cityofethridge.com/index.php/amish-country
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBbPUPPawi4