Where Are The Amish Communities In Iowa?

Exploring the Rich History of Amish Settlements in Iowa

Picture the tranquil landscape of Iowa, dotted with picturesque towns and rolling hills. Amidst this idyllic scenery, there exists a unique and steadfast community that has woven its roots deep into the fabric of the state’s history—the Amish. Iowa boasts a long-standing tradition of Amish settlements, and within its boundaries, a tale of resilience, tradition, and change unfolds.

A Tapestry of Communities

The Amish, known for their simple lifestyle and unwavering commitment to tradition, have found their way to Iowa in several notable pockets, with Kalona, Bloomfield, and Buchanan County standing as pillars of Amish culture within the state. These communities, while diverse, collectively make up about half of Iowa’s Amish population, which has grown to approximately 10,200 individuals as of the year 2023. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Amish way of life that these communities have flourished and evolved over time.

Kalona: A Time-Honored Settlement

Kalona takes the spotlight as Iowa’s oldest and most renowned Amish settlement, tracing its origins back to 1846. Nestled within the embrace of Johnson and Washington Counties in the southeastern part of the state, Kalona stands as a testament to tradition amidst modernity. With 12 church districts and a population of over 1,600 Amish people, Kalona has become a cherished cornerstone of Amish history.

Interestingly, the Kalona Amish worship in meetinghouses rather than the typical homes, setting them apart from other groups. Despite its reputation as the “largest Amish community west of the Mississippi,” Kalona holds its own distinctive charm within the broader Amish landscape. The settlement, while not the largest in Iowa, has maintained its sense of community and identity over nearly two centuries, despite the ebbs and flows of population changes.

Innovations Amidst Tradition

While the Amish are known for adhering to a simpler way of life, the Kalona Amish stand as a more progressive subgroup within the Old Order tradition. This is evident in their willingness to incorporate certain technological advances, such as propane gas, power lawnmowers, and even tractors for field work. However, the unique caveat that these tractors must have metal wheels showcases the delicate balance between adaptation and preserving core values.

Bloomfield’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

Bloomfield emerges as a younger but equally vibrant Amish settlement, founded in 1971. Situated to the southwest of Kalona in Davis County, this community is not only larger in size but also boasts a strong entrepreneurial spirit. With a population exceeding 1,800 Amish individuals, Bloomfield is a hub of industry and innovation.

The Amish here have embraced various businesses, ranging from furniture and woodworking shops to bakeries and even horseshoeing operations. Their resourcefulness is a testament to their ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to their values.

Buchanan County: A Bastion of Tradition

Buchanan County’s Hazleton is where Iowa’s most conservative Amish community resides. Established in 1914, this settlement was founded by Amish from Kalona who sought to uphold more traditional church standards. Known for their reluctance to adopt technology, the Amish in this area were among the most steadfast in their commitment to simplicity.

In a twist of fate, recent years have seen this traditionally conservative community gradually accepting change. With the adoption of some technological advancements and practices, the Buchanan County Amish community showcases the complex interplay between tradition and evolution.

Educational and Legal Battles

The history of Iowa’s Amish communities is not without its share of challenges. The mid-1960s saw a significant conflict over Amish schooling in Buchanan County. In a struggle between rival school districts, the Amish found themselves caught between a desire to maintain their way of life and the pressure to conform to evolving educational standards.

The resulting turmoil, captured in famous images of Amish children fleeing to cornfields to avoid forced bussing, became a turning point. This conflict sparked national attention and paved the way for religious exemptions from state-mandated schooling standards, culminating in the landmark Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court decision of 1972.

A Vibrant Patchwork of Settlements

Beyond the prominent settlements, Iowa is home to numerous smaller Amish communities. These tight-knit groups, often consisting of a handful of families, contribute to the rich tapestry of Amish life in the state. Some, like the Seymour community in Wayne County, founded in the mid-1990s, have thrived and grown to impressive sizes, further diversifying the Amish presence in Iowa.

Amana People: A Distinct Legacy

While often confused with the Amish, the Amana People, also known as the Community of True Inspiration, have a unique history of their own in Iowa. Arriving in the state in the mid-1800s, they practiced communal living and pursued simple lifestyles. Despite similarities in dress and lifestyle, the Amana People had distinct practices and beliefs that set them apart from their Amish counterparts. Their story, intertwined with that of the Amish, paints a broader picture of Iowa’s diverse religious landscape.

Echoes of the Past

The Amish settlements of Iowa are not without their own stories of rise and decline. Several settlements that thrived in the mid-1800s eventually dwindled or evolved into more liberal Mennonite communities. Yet, these tales of change highlight the intricate dance between tradition and adaptation that defines the Amish way of life.

A Rich Tradition Continues

As we journey through the diverse Amish settlements of Iowa, from the time-honored charm of Kalona to the entrepreneurial spirit of Bloomfield, and the unwavering conservatism of Buchanan County, we witness the legacy of a community that has found a home and purpose in the heart of the Hawkeye State. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Amish way of life, which continues to flourish in this corner of the world.