So, I recently stumbled upon this fascinating piece of Maryland history about the Amish communities in Southern Maryland, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
Picture this: It’s 1939, and seven Amish families from Pennsylvania decide to uproot their lives and head to Maryland. You might wonder, why the move? Well, turns out, the land in Pennsylvania was getting too crowded for them to afford, and they wanted a simpler life. Maryland, with its affordable land and a little more distance from city life, seemed like the perfect spot. Who would’ve thought, right?
Now, the 1930s Maryland was quite different from what we know today. The bustling D.C. area hadn’t stretched its arms so far, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station was yet to be built. But that’s not all – there was also this thing about compulsory education for children. The Amish tradition dictated that kids should go to school only until they were 14, after which they’d work on farms or learn a craft. However, the laws of Pennsylvania and many other states had other plans. They raised the required school attendance age to 15 or 16, which didn’t sit well with the Amish parents.
So, what did they do? They found their way to Southern Maryland, where the school attendance laws were more relaxed. The Amish practically took over the local elementary school, Charlotte Hall Elementary. In fact, in 1967, 80 out of 83 students were Amish. They even got special legislation that exempted them from stricter school attendance laws. The Supreme Court even backed them up in 1972, stating that requiring Amish children to attend school beyond the 8th grade violated their right to religious freedom.
Over the years, the Amish community in St. Mary’s County grew and became known for its fantastic farming skills. They transformed thousands of acres of barren land into productive farmland. And guess what? They didn’t just stick to farming. Many Amish folks are craftsmen, crafting furniture and building homes for non-Amish clients, all with a handshake agreement – no written contracts needed. They even hold an annual quilt auction that draws people from all over the region.
But wait, there’s more! Despite being a tight-knit community, the Amish have a lot of business dealings with folks outside their circle. Their presence has significantly influenced Southern Maryland’s culture, making it a unique place with buggies on the roads and bustling quilt auctions.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. As property values skyrocketed in the Washington metropolitan area, some Amish families had to look for affordable lands elsewhere, just like their ancestors did in Pennsylvania a generation ago. So, while their long-term future in Southern Maryland might be a bit uncertain, one thing’s for sure – the Amish have left an indelible mark on our region’s cultural tapestry.
