New Amish Settlement Blossoms in Rural Georgia, Sparking Local Interest and Economic Growth
Northeast Georgia’s rolling hills near Clayton in Rabun County have become home to a burgeoning Old Order Amish community, the first of its kind in the state since the 1990s. Founded by five families from Pennsylvania and Ohio, the settlement is revitalizing local agriculture, fostering cultural exchange, and drawing curious visitors eager to experience its traditional way of life12.
Roots in Rabun County
The settlers were drawn to Georgia’s fertile farmland, milder climate, and scenic isolation, which align with their values of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Eli Stoltzfus, a community leader, explains, “We sought land where our children could grow up close to nature and our traditions could thrive”1. The group has quickly established organic farms producing peaches, peanuts, sorghum, and corn, alongside small-scale dairy operations aiming to craft artisanal cheeses12.
Economic Ripple Effects
Local businesses are already benefiting from the influx of tourists and the Amish’s craftsmanship. The settlement’s store, offering handcrafted furniture, quilts, and fresh produce, has become a regional draw1. Nearby, Blue Ridge’s Taste of Amish & General Store reports increased foot traffic, while Homer’s David & Katie’s Amish Store anticipates collaborations on woodworking and farm goods2.
Key Ventures Driving Growth:
- Organic Farming: Sustainable practices and crop diversity are inspiring neighboring farms1.
- Artisanal Crafts: Furniture expos and quilting demos attract eco-conscious shoppers2.
- Tourism: Buggy rides, farm tours, and homestays offer immersive cultural experiences2.
Cultural Exchange and Challenges
Locals have embraced the newcomers, with Rabun County schools planning educational programs on Amish traditions. “Their work ethic and commitment to family resonate deeply here,” says Clayton resident Linda Matthews12. However, Georgia’s humid summers pose hurdles: the Amish have modified home designs for better ventilation and adjusted work schedules to avoid peak heat1.
Expansion and Legacy
The community has purchased additional land for future families and aims to build a school and sawmill. Eli Stoltzfus notes, “We’re here to stay—to farm, build, and contribute”1. This revival echoes Georgia’s earlier Amish-Mennonite influences, such as Montezuma’s Beachy Amish Mennonite community, known for blending Southern and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions2.
Voices from the Community
“We’re not just preserving our way of life—we’re sharing it. Every quilt we stitch, every crop we grow, connects us to our neighbors.”
— Mary Yoder, Amish settler1
“Their arrival has reminded us what’s possible when hard work meets humility.”
— Tom Jenkins, Rabun County school board member2
As buggies traverse Rabun County’s backroads, the settlement embodies a partnership between tradition and progress, offering Georgia a model for rural renewal rooted in sustainability and mutual respect.
Citations:
- https://visittheamish.com/a-new-chapter-amish-settlement-takes-root-in-georgia/
- https://www.amishfurniturefactory.com/amishblog/amish-communities-in-georgia/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_Amish_population
- https://www.reddit.com/r/sarasota/comments/171cfg2/all_the_counties_in_the_us_with_established/
- https://www.thegazette.com/news/new-amish-community-springs-up-in-delhi-area/
- https://anabaptisthistorians.org/2022/02/10/amish-mutual-aid-during-the-great-depression-and-what-it-implies-for-modern-capitalism/
- https://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/files/2023/11/Amish-Pop-2023_by-state-and-county_updated2.pdf
- https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/flint-river-farms-resettlement-community/