New Amish Community Takes Root in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
In the rolling hills of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, a new Amish settlement is quietly taking shape, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit. The community, which began forming in early 2024, has already grown to include over 20 families, with more expected to arrive in the coming months.
The settlement, located near the small town of Elkton in Rockingham County, marks a significant expansion of the Amish presence in Virginia. While the state has been home to Amish communities for decades, this new settlement represents the first major influx in recent years.
“We’ve been watching the community grow with great interest,” says Sarah Thompson, Elkton’s mayor. “The Amish bring a unique perspective and valuable skills to our area. We’re excited to see how this relationship develops.”
The decision to settle in Rockingham County was not made lightly. Jacob Stoltzfus, one of the first Amish settlers to arrive, explains the appeal: “We were looking for fertile farmland, a welcoming community, and a place where we could practice our faith freely. The Shenandoah Valley checked all those boxes for us.”
As with many Amish settlements, the new community has quickly established a variety of businesses to support their way of life and contribute to the local economy. These enterprises range from traditional farming operations to specialized crafts and services.
One of the most visible new businesses is the Valley Harvest Market, a bulk food store and deli operated by the Miller family. Located on the outskirts of Elkton, the market has become a popular destination for both Amish and non-Amish customers alike.
“We offer a wide range of products, from baking supplies to homemade jams and pickles,” says Rebecca Miller, who runs the store with her husband and children. “It’s been wonderful to see how the local community has embraced us. We’ve even started stocking some regional specialties at their request.”
The market also serves as an informal community center, where Amish families can catch up on news and socialize. On any given day, you might find a group of men discussing crop rotations over coffee, or women exchanging recipes near the baked goods section.
Another notable addition to the local business landscape is Stoltzfus Furniture, a workshop specializing in handcrafted wooden furniture. The business, run by Jacob Stoltzfus and his sons, has quickly gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in our work,” Jacob says. “People seem to really appreciate the care and attention we put into each piece. We’re even getting orders from as far away as Richmond and Washington D.C.”
The furniture workshop has also become an unexpected tourist attraction, with visitors often stopping by to watch the craftsmen at work. This has led to some good-natured jokes among the Amish about becoming “accidental celebrities.”
Not all of the new Amish businesses cater to outside customers, however. Yoder’s Harness Shop, for example, primarily serves the needs of the Amish community itself, providing essential equipment for their horse-drawn buggies and farm work.
“It’s important that we maintain our self-sufficiency,” explains Samuel Yoder, the shop’s owner. “But we’re also happy to help our English neighbors if they need repairs on leather goods or custom work done.”
The arrival of the Amish has not been without its challenges. The sudden appearance of horse-drawn buggies on local roads has required some adjustment from area drivers. In response, the county has installed new road signs and worked with the Amish community to improve buggy visibility.
“Safety is a top priority for everyone,” says John Davis, a county transportation official. “We’ve had some productive conversations with Amish leaders about ways to make the roads safer for all users. It’s been a learning experience on both sides.”
The influx of Amish families has also had an impact on local schools. While Amish children typically attend their own one-room schoolhouses, their arrival has coincided with an increased interest in homeschooling among non-Amish families in the area.
“We’ve seen a 15% increase in homeschooling applications this year,” notes Emily Chen, a local education administrator. “Some families have expressed interest in incorporating elements of the Amish approach to education, particularly the emphasis on practical skills and community involvement.”
This cross-cultural exchange extends to other areas as well. Local farmers have shown interest in some of the sustainable agriculture practices employed by their Amish neighbors, while some Amish families have cautiously adopted certain modern farming technologies.
“It’s all about finding the right balance,” says David King, a non-Amish farmer who has befriended several Amish families. “We can learn a lot from each other while still respecting our different ways of life.”
The growing Amish presence has also sparked a renewed interest in traditional crafts and skills among the wider community. The local community college has even begun offering workshops in quilting, woodworking, and canning, taught by both Amish and non-Amish instructors.
“There’s something really special about learning these skills that have been passed down for generations,” says Lisa Gonzalez, who recently attended a quilting workshop. “It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about connecting with a simpler way of life, even if just for a few hours.”
As the settlement continues to grow, questions naturally arise about its long-term impact on the region. Some residents have expressed concerns about potential changes to the area’s character, while others see the Amish arrival as a positive development that could help preserve the valley’s rural heritage.
“Change is always a bit scary,” admits Tom Wilson, a longtime Elkton resident. “But from what I’ve seen so far, the Amish are good neighbors. They’re hardworking, honest folks who care about their community. I think they’ll fit in just fine here.”
Local businesses have generally welcomed the new Amish enterprises, seeing them as complementary rather than competitive. “The Amish bring unique products and services that actually draw more customers to the area,” explains Maria Delgado, president of the Elkton Chamber of Commerce. “We’re seeing increased foot traffic in our downtown area, which benefits everyone.”
The settlement has also caught the attention of academics and cultural preservationists. Dr. Amanda Foster, a sociologist from nearby James Madison University, has begun a long-term study of the community’s integration.
“This is a fascinating opportunity to observe the formation of an Amish settlement in real-time,” Dr. Foster says. “We’re particularly interested in how both the Amish and non-Amish communities adapt to each other’s presence over time.”
As the first year of the settlement draws to a close, both the Amish and their new neighbors are cautiously optimistic about the future. Plans are already underway for joint community events, including a harvest festival that will showcase both Amish and “English” traditions.
Jacob Stoltzfus, reflecting on the community’s progress, remains humble but hopeful: “We came here seeking a place to live according to our beliefs, but we’ve found so much more. We’re grateful for the welcome we’ve received and look forward to being good neighbors for many years to come.”
As the sun sets over the Shenandoah Valley, casting long shadows across newly plowed fields and freshly built barns, it’s clear that a new chapter is being written in the region’s long history. The Amish settlement near Elkton may be young, but it’s already weaving itself into the fabric of this corner of Virginia, one friendship, one business deal, and one shared moment at a time.
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