Amish Roots Take Hold in Alabama’s Heartland
In a surprising turn of events, a new Amish community has quietly established itself in the rolling hills of northern Alabama, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit. The settlement, located near the town of Dutton in Jackson County, has been steadily growing since its establishment in early 2024, marking a significant expansion of the Amish presence in the Deep South.
The Dutton Amish settlement, founded by families primarily from Tennessee and Missouri, has quickly become an integral part of the local landscape. Despite the challenges posed by Alabama’s hot and humid climate, these resilient settlers have adapted their agricultural practices and lifestyle to thrive in their new home.
Jacob Miller, one of the first Amish settlers in the area, shared his thoughts on the community’s progress: “We’ve been blessed with good neighbors and fertile land. It’s different from back home, but we’re learning to grow crops that do well here, like sweet potatoes and peanuts.”
The Amish have brought with them a variety of cottage industries and small businesses that have piqued the interest of locals and tourists alike. One of the most popular establishments is the Sunrise Bakery, run by the Yoder family. Sarah Yoder, known for her mouthwatering pies and breads, said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from our English neighbors. They seem to especially love our pecan pies and sourdough bread.”
Another thriving business is the Dutton Furniture Workshop, where skilled craftsmen create high-quality, handmade furniture using traditional woodworking techniques. Samuel Hochstetler, the workshop’s owner, explained, “We take pride in our work, using locally sourced wood whenever possible. Our rocking chairs and dining sets have become quite popular.”
The community has also established a small general store, Countryside Mercantile, which offers a variety of homemade goods, including jams, quilts, and handcrafted toys. Elizabeth Schwartz, who helps run the store, noted, “We’re seeing more and more visitors each week. People are curious about our way of life and appreciate the quality of our products.”
Local residents have embraced their new neighbors, recognizing the positive impact on the area’s economy and cultural diversity. Tom Johnson, a lifelong Dutton resident, remarked, “It’s been fascinating to watch the Amish community grow. They’re hardworking folks, and their businesses have added a unique charm to our town.”
The settlement has not been without its challenges, however. Adapting to Alabama’s climate and agricultural conditions has required some adjustment. Jacob Stoltzfus, who oversees a small dairy operation, shared, “We’ve had to learn new ways of keeping our cows comfortable in the heat. It’s been a learning experience, but we’re making progress.”
Transportation has also been an issue, with the Amish relying on horse-drawn buggies for their daily commutes. Local authorities have worked with the community to ensure road safety, installing “Horse and Buggy” warning signs and widening shoulders on some roads to accommodate the slow-moving vehicles.
Despite these challenges, the Dutton Amish settlement continues to flourish. The community has already established its own one-room schoolhouse and holds church services in members’ homes on a rotating basis. As word spreads about the quality of their goods and services, more tourists are making the journey to experience this slice of Amish life in Alabama.
The arrival of the Amish has also sparked interest in sustainable living and traditional crafts among local residents. Several workshops on canning, quilting, and woodworking have been organized, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the Amish and their “English” neighbors.
Mary Thompson, a local quilting enthusiast, shared her experience: “I’ve attended a few quilting workshops led by Amish women, and it’s been eye-opening. Their skill and attention to detail are incredible. It’s not just about making a quilt; it’s about preserving a tradition.”
The Amish community’s impact on the local economy has been significant. In addition to their retail businesses, many Amish families have found success in selling produce and handmade goods at local farmers’ markets. The influx of tourists interested in experiencing Amish culture has also led to a boost in the hospitality industry in nearby towns.
John Davis, owner of a bed and breakfast in nearby Scottsboro, commented on the trend: “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in bookings since the Amish settled here. People come from all over to visit the Amish shops and experience their way of life. It’s been great for business.”
The Amish have also brought their agricultural expertise to the region, introducing sustainable farming practices that have caught the attention of local farmers. David Anderson, a fifth-generation farmer in Jackson County, expressed his admiration: “The Amish approach to farming is impressive. They’re able to produce high yields without relying on modern machinery or chemicals. It’s made me rethink some of my own methods.”
As the community grows, so does its influence on the surrounding area. The Amish commitment to education has led to collaborations with local schools. Sarah Miller, an Amish mother of four, explained: “While we educate our children in our own school, we’ve had positive interactions with the local education system. We’ve even hosted field trips for English children to learn about our way of life.”
The settlement’s growth has not been without controversy, however. Some local residents have expressed concerns about the increased buggy traffic on rural roads and the potential strain on local resources. County Commissioner Robert Thompson addressed these issues: “We’re working closely with the Amish community to address any concerns. It’s a learning process for all of us, but we’re committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.”
Despite these challenges, the majority of locals view the Amish presence as a positive development. Linda Roberts, owner of a local diner, summed up the sentiment: “The Amish have brought a sense of simplicity and hard work that resonates with many of us. Their presence reminds us of the values that built this community in the first place.”
As the sun sets over the gently rolling hills of Jackson County, the clip-clop of horse hooves and the distant sound of hymns sung in Pennsylvania Dutch serve as a reminder of the unique cultural tapestry being woven in this corner of Alabama. The Dutton Amish settlement stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a simpler way of life, even in the face of modern challenges.
With its blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit, this growing Amish community is carving out a distinct niche in Alabama’s cultural landscape. As more families are expected to join the settlement in the coming years, the future looks bright for this bastion of simplicity in the heart of the Yellowhammer State.
Citations:
[1] https://southerntorch.com/community/mennonite-community-coming-to-dutton-section-area/
[2] https://vickisamishtraditions.com
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_r4KYmpmcg
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1qmAKJcSIE
[5] https://www.barkmanfurniture.com/huntsville-alabama/
[6] https://www.tiktok.com/@ericdalessandro/video/7353394107907067179?lang=en
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/HuntsvilleAlabama/comments/9g78jc/day_trip_amish_farms_in_lawrence_county/
[8] https://www.conniewasthere.com/2017/09/25/two-hidden-mennonite-businesses-in-morgan-county-al/
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faunsdale,_Alabama
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![New Amish Community Blossoms in Mississippi's Heartland
In the rolling hills of northeastern Mississippi, a new Amish community has taken root, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit. The settlement, located near the town of New Albany in Union County, has been steadily growing since its establishment in early 2024. This expansion marks a significant development for the Amish presence in the Deep South, complementing the existing community in Pontotoc County.
The New Albany Amish settlement, founded by families primarily from Ohio and Indiana, has quickly become an integral part of the local landscape. Despite the challenges posed by Mississippi's hot and humid climate, these resilient settlers have adapted their agricultural practices and lifestyle to thrive in their new home.
John Yoder, one of the first Amish settlers in the area, shared his thoughts on the community's progress: "We've been blessed with good neighbors and fertile land. It's different from back home, but we're learning to grow crops that do well here, like sweet potatoes and peanuts."[1]
The Amish have brought with them a variety of cottage industries and small businesses that have piqued the interest of locals and tourists alike. One of the most popular establishments is the Country Lane Bakery, run by the Miller family. Sarah Miller, known for her mouthwatering pies and breads, said, "We've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from our English neighbors. They seem to especially love our pecan pies and sourdough bread."[2]
Another thriving business is the Sunrise Furniture Workshop, where skilled craftsmen create high-quality, handmade furniture using traditional woodworking techniques. Samuel Hochstetler, the workshop's owner, explained, "We take pride in our work, using locally sourced wood whenever possible. Our rocking chairs and dining sets have become quite popular."[3]
The community has also established a small general store, Pine Creek Mercantile, which offers a variety of homemade goods, including jams, quilts, and handcrafted toys. Elizabeth Schwartz, who helps run the store, noted, "We're seeing more and more visitors each week. People are curious about our way of life and appreciate the quality of our products."[4]
Local residents have embraced their new neighbors, recognizing the positive impact on the area's economy and cultural diversity. Tom Johnson, a lifelong New Albany resident, remarked, "It's been fascinating to watch the Amish community grow. They're hardworking folks, and their businesses have added a unique charm to our town."[5]
The settlement has not been without its challenges, however. Adapting to Mississippi's climate and agricultural conditions has required some adjustment. Jacob Stoltzfus, who oversees a small dairy operation, shared, "We've had to learn new ways of keeping our cows comfortable in the heat. It's been a learning experience, but we're making progress."[6]
Transportation has also been an issue, with the Amish relying on horse-drawn buggies for their daily commutes. Local authorities have worked with the community to ensure road safety, installing "Horse and Buggy" warning signs and widening shoulders on some roads to accommodate the slow-moving vehicles.
Despite these challenges, the New Albany Amish settlement continues to flourish. The community has already established its own one-room schoolhouse and holds church services in members' homes on a rotating basis. As word spreads about the quality of their goods and services, more tourists are making the journey to experience this slice of Amish life in Mississippi.
The arrival of the Amish has also sparked interest in sustainable living and traditional crafts among local residents. Several workshops on canning, quilting, and woodworking have been organized, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the Amish and their "English" neighbors.
As the sun sets over the gently rolling hills of Union County, the clip-clop of horse hooves and the distant sound of hymns sung in Pennsylvania Dutch serve as a reminder of the unique cultural tapestry being woven in this corner of Mississippi. The New Albany Amish settlement stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a simpler way of life, even in the face of modern challenges.
With its blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit, this growing Amish community is carving out a distinct niche in Mississippi's cultural landscape. As more families are expected to join the settlement in the coming years, the future looks bright for this bastion of simplicity in the heart of the Magnolia State.
Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/mississippi-amish/
[2] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/food/mississippi/stock-up-on-amish-goods-at-the-places-ms
[3] https://goamish.co/pages/horse-barns-in-mississippi
[4] https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/04/01/birthplace-mississippi-to-the-core/
[5] https://www.amish365.com/where-are-the-amish-in-mississippi/
[6] https://amishfurniturems.com
[7] http://bld-in-mt.blogspot.com/2012/07/amish-proverbs.html
[8] http://collections.americanjewisharchives.org/ms/ms0603/ms0603.043.017.pdf
[9] https://amishamerica.com/mississippi-randolph-pontotoc-county/
[10] https://mollyjarabica.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/a-glimpse-inside-the-randolph-miss-amish-community/](https://i0.wp.com/visittheamish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-82.png?resize=400%2C287&ssl=1)
