Amish Pioneers Establish New Settlement in Rural Pennsylvania
In a quiet corner of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, a new Amish community is taking root. The Peaceful Valley Settlement, as locals have dubbed it, began earlier this year when five families from overcrowded Lancaster County decided to seek a simpler life and more affordable farmland.
Jacob Stoltzfus, one of the first settlers, explained their motivation: “We wanted to preserve our way of life and give our children a chance to farm. Land prices in Lancaster made it impossible for young families to start out”[1].
The new settlement has been warmly received by most residents of nearby Everett. Sarah Thompson, who runs the local general store, said, “They’re hardworking folks. Their buggies are a bit of a change on our roads, but people are adjusting”[2].
However, not everyone is thrilled with the new arrivals. Town council member Robert Jenkins voiced concerns about potential cultural clashes: “We need to make sure our zoning laws can accommodate their lifestyle without causing issues for other residents”[2].
Despite some challenges, the Amish families are optimistic about their future in Bedford County. Mary Yoder, a mother of six, shared, “We’re grateful for this opportunity. The English (non-Amish) neighbors have been kind, and we’re looking forward to building our community here”[1].
As the settlement grows, it’s likely to attract more Amish families seeking affordable land and a return to rural living. Time will tell if Peaceful Valley becomes a thriving Amish community or faces the challenges that have led to the failure of other settlements in Pennsylvania’s history[6].
Historical Significance
The establishment of the Peaceful Valley Settlement in Bedford County continues a long tradition of Amish migration within Pennsylvania. While Lancaster County is often associated with the Amish, it wasn’t actually the first Amish settlement in North America[1]. That distinction belongs to the Northkill settlement in what is now Berks County, established around 1740[1].
Bedford County’s Amish History
Bedford County itself has a rich history of Amish settlement. Some of the early Amish settlers from the Northkill area moved to Bedford County (which later became part of Somerset County) around 1773[1]. This historical connection makes the new Peaceful Valley Settlement part of a centuries-old pattern of Amish migration within Pennsylvania.
Reasons for Migration
The motivations of the families settling in Peaceful Valley echo those of their ancestors. Land scarcity and high prices in established communities like Lancaster County often drive Amish families to seek new areas for settlement[3]. This allows them to maintain their agricultural lifestyle and provide opportunities for younger generations.
Community Composition
While the original story mentioned five families, it’s worth noting that Amish settlements often grow rapidly. For context, the nearby Blair County Old Order Mennonite Settlement, which straddles Blair and Bedford counties, had three meetinghouses and four ministers as of 2011[8]. If the Peaceful Valley Settlement follows a similar growth pattern, it could expand significantly in the coming years.
Cultural Integration
The challenges of integrating into the local community mentioned in the original story are not uncommon. Amish settlements often bring changes to local roads with increased buggy traffic and can require adjustments to local zoning laws[3]. However, many communities have successfully integrated Amish settlers, recognizing the economic and cultural benefits they can bring.
Economic Impact
While not mentioned in the original story, new Amish settlements often have significant economic impacts on their host communities. Amish businesses, particularly in crafts and agriculture, can become important parts of the local economy. The potential for increased tourism, as seen in other Amish areas, could also affect Bedford County in the future.
As the Peaceful Valley Settlement grows, it will likely face many of the same challenges and opportunities that have shaped other Amish communities throughout Pennsylvania’s history. Its development will be an interesting case study in the ongoing evolution of Amish life in America.
Citations:
[1] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/history-beliefs/
[2] https://www.witf.org/2019/08/26/a-squeeze-and-a-vision-why-some-amish-want-to-leave-lancaster-county/
[3] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/republicans-pursue-support-from-the-amish-in-pennsylvania-where-only-a-small-minority-vote-in-elections
[4] https://downeast.com/features/thesettlers/
[5] https://amishamerica.com/pennsylvania-amish/
[6] https://richardmammana.wordpress.com/2022/04/23/pennsylvania-amish-communities-that-failed-maurice-a-mook-1954/
[7] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pennsylvanias-amish-key-yet-hesitant-voting-bloc-trump-may-benefit-year-some-say
[8] https://wikis.nyu.edu/download/attachments/82051977/Stephen%20King%20-%20On%20Writing_%20A%20Memoir%20Of%20The%20Craft%20(2000,%20Scribner).pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1579995648663&api=v2
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northkill_Amish_Settlement
[10] https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2021/06/14/the-amish-and-their-long-struggle-with-the-modern-world/