As you explore the enchanting state of New Mexico, you might be surprised to discover a unique and growing community: the Amish. In recent years, this steadfast group has found an unlikely home in the desert landscape, adding a fascinating chapter to their rich history.
When you delve into the latest census data from the Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, you’ll find that New Mexico has become the 32nd state to welcome an Amish population. This development marks a significant milestone in the community’s expansion, which now surpasses 373,620 members nationwide.
If you’re curious about the origins of this settlement, you’ll need to look back to 2020. That’s when the first Amish families ventured into New Mexico’s unique southwestern terrain. However, it wasn’t until 2021 and 2022 that enough families arrived to establish a proper settlement, as defined by Amish historian David Luthy.
As you try to pinpoint the exact location of this community, you’ll encounter an intriguing geographical quirk. While records mention Ortiz, NM, you won’t find such a place on the map. Instead, you’ll discover that the settlement straddles the New Mexico-Colorado border, with Ortiz, CO serving as the nearest identifiable location.
Should you visit this budding community, you’ll find a small but tight-knit group of about half a dozen households, totaling around 30 inhabitants. You’ll notice families who have relocated from states like Michigan, Indiana, and Kansas, all contributing to the growth of this desert oasis.
As you explore New Mexico’s Amish history, you’ll uncover a fascinating earlier chapter. From 1921 to 1929, eleven Amish families settled in Colfax County near Chico. While most eventually returned to Kansas due to drought, one family persevered until 1929, leaving a lasting imprint on the state’s cultural landscape.
When you witness the Amish community embracing the New Mexico sunsets and adapting to the rugged terrain, you’ll see a testament to human resilience and adaptability. This unique settlement offers you a chance to observe firsthand how traditional ways of life can flourish in the most unexpected places, adding a rich new dimension to your exploration of the Land of Enchantment.
Citations:
[1] https://visittheamish.com/where-are-the-amish-in-new-mexico/
[2] https://amishamerica.com/amish-population-2022-new-mexico/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
[4] https://dailyyonder.com/amish-population-growth-rural-america/2024/04/10/
[5] https://www.amish365.com/where-are-the-amish-in-michigan/
[6] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/lancaster/comments/1704vzs/whats_the_best_amish_attraction_in_the_lancaster/
[8] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/pennsylvania/amish-pa