New Amish Settlement Takes Root in Nebraska’s Sandhills
In an unexpected turn of events, a group of Amish families has chosen the vast, rolling prairies of Nebraska’s Sandhills as their new home. The settlement, located 15 miles south of Kilgore in Cherry County, marks a significant departure from traditional Amish territories in the eastern United States.
Reuben Miller, the 46-year-old bishop of the Kilgore Amish community, led the move earlier this year. “I’ve had itchy feet for a long time, and I like the West,” Miller explained. “I wanted to get away from people.”
The group, originating from Michigan and Kentucky, purchased a 5,038-acre ranch along the Niobrara River for $9.65 million. This substantial investment underscores the community’s commitment to establishing a lasting presence in the area.
Currently consisting of Miller’s family of 13, the settlement aims to grow to 15-20 families, potentially rivaling the population of nearby Cody, Nebraska’s second-largest community in Cherry County.
The Kilgore Amish belong to the “Michigan Amish Fellowship” or “Michigan Circle,” a reformist network that allows some modern conveniences while maintaining traditional values. For instance, they permit landline phones and battery-powered tools but rely on horse-drawn implements for farming.
Despite the challenges of adapting to the drier climate and sandy soil, the Amish have been warmly received by local residents. Their skills in construction and willingness to take on various jobs have been particularly appreciated in an area short on contractors.
The settlement has already established two businesses: a saw sharpening service and a log-home kit production facility. These enterprises aim to provide employment opportunities within the community, allowing families to work close to home.
As the Kilgore Amish settlement continues to grow, it represents a new chapter in the expansion of Amish communities across the United States. With an estimated 367,000 Amish people now living in 32 states, the move to Nebraska’s Sandhills demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of this traditional culture in modern America[1].
The Amish settlers in Nebraska’s Sandhills are facing several challenges in adapting to their new environment:
- Acclimation of draft horses: The draft horses are not yet fully acclimated to the drier grasses of the Sandhills[1].
- Environmental differences: The Amish are adjusting to the omnipresent cockleburs and deer flies, which are common in the area[1].
- Soil conditions: The sandy soil of the Sandhills is different from the more fertile soil they were accustomed to in their previous locations[1].
- Transportation limitations: The settlement is about 40 miles from Valentine, the nearest town with stores, and there is a lack of nearby “Amish taxi” drivers to provide transportation[1].
- Climate adaptation: The drier climate of the Sandhills requires adjustments in farming and daily life practices[1].
- Isolation: The remote location, while intentionally chosen, presents challenges in terms of access to resources and services[1].
These challenges highlight the significant environmental and lifestyle adjustments the Amish community is making as they establish their settlement in this unique region of Nebraska[1].
Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/1202624/ac566f07-32e0-4df4-b96f-cf60b14081a3/paste.txt
