Where Are the Amish in Kansas?
Discover the fascinating world of Amish communities in Kansas. From their unique way of life and traditions to their rich history and strong sense of community, this article offers an in-depth look at what makes these communities so special. Whether you’re interested in learning more about their religious beliefs, farming practices, or simply curious about their way of life, this article provides an engaging and informative exploration of Amish culture in Kansas.
The Amish are a religiously conservative group who prioritize humility, family, and community over material comforts. To live their daily lives according to the Ordnung – their code of behavior – requires them to follow certain rules.
The Amish are divided into church districts, autonomous congregations of about 75 baptized members. If a district becomes too large, it may be divided into smaller groups.
Yoder
Are you curious about the Amish way of life and want to gain more insight into these simple people, Yoder may be your perfect destination. This small town sits at the center of an active Amish community.
Yoder, Ohio is not only home to an Amish settlement but also numerous businesses that cater to visitors who want to learn more about this way of life. Whether you’re searching for a tour through the Amish settlement or somewhere to enjoy some delicious food, Yoder has everything you need.
It’s easy to understand why the Amish are so appealing to travelers in Kansas. Not only are they known for their simplicity, but they also value rural life and hard work.
They’ve become so passionate about these values that they have even become political forces. You may recall Representative Kevin Yoder, a 5th generation Kansan who grew up on a farm and has been an ardent champion of the Amish.
Kansas’ Amish communities are spread out throughout the state, mostly along the East and Southeast borders. But they can also be found in nearby western and midwestern regions.
Yoder, Kansas – one of the state’s most beloved Amish communities – is just a short drive southwest from Hutchinson. Here you’ll find both old and new combined in one charming community; horse buggies coexisting with cars and trucks alike.
Yoder has been home to Amish families for more than 130 years, and while its population remains small, Yoder has become a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about their culture and way of life.
Another distinctive aspect of Amish culture is their use of a modified German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch (German: “Pennsylvania”). During church services and casual conversations within communities, members often speak this tongue.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Amish culture is their commitment to cleanliness. They must wash their clothes with soap and water before wearing them, as well as take off all outer clothing before entering a home.
Partridge
Partridge is a small community in Reno County that houses some Amish families. As this region primarily relies on agriculture, the Amish have long been an integral part of it – particularly through milk production.
The Amish are a quiet, hardworking people who cherish three great values: devotion to religion, an agrarian lifestyle and strong family ties. These principles have served them well throughout history as a cultural group – something which remains strong today in Kansas.
They adhere strictly to their traditional beliefs and customs that were passed down from their forefathers. Furthermore, they hold great religious devotion, believing in living life as a simple Christian.
Though they remain traditional in many respects, the Amish in Reno County do demonstrate a certain degree of innovation. For instance, they permit various farm machinery such as bulk milk tanks and tractors for field work (see Living Without Electricity for more details).
Although the Amish in Kansas are a small community, they have shown remarkable diversity within their own communities. This can be observed through their differing Ordnung, or church standards and regulations.
At the turn of the 20th century, Amish communities underwent significant change due to American religious revival movements, economic pressures and an inclination towards mission work. This division within their church eventually was resolved in the 1950s.
As part of this process, the Amish were divided into two church districts according to their belief in revival and devotion to mission work. While many within both camps supported the movement, it wasn’t without its flaws.
Due to these issues and some Amish parents’ growing concern about their children being exposed to secular influences, many young Amish refused to attend public schools. They believed that if they allowed their kids to be exposed to the world they would lose their Amish identity.
Many Amish who attended public schools were often forced to choose the school closest to their homes, or lived in areas with less-than-affordable housing. As a result, many Amish continue to reside in the small towns they grew up in.
Chetopa
Kansas has a long tradition of Amish settlements. While some communities lasted for an extended period, others rapidly disbanded and disappeared – many in southeast Kansas, such as Chetopa.
Reno County boasts the largest Amish settlement in Kansas. Yoder is at the center of this community, but most Amish families reside at what are commonly referred to as Haven addresses.
Visit the Amish Market for a truly captivating experience, with plenty of things to see and do. Shoppers will find an array of quilts, jams and made-from-scratch desserts at this market. Additionally, don’t miss visiting the captivating Amish cemetery as well!
Yoder hosts an annual event called Yoder Heritage Day, held each August. This celebration offers fun for the entire family with activities like pancake breakfasts, petting zoos, buggy races and fireworks displays.
Another Amish community in Kansas is Garnett, a small settlement that has been around for over 100 years and now houses around three dozen Amish families.
Reno County, about 35 miles east of Hutchinson (Meindl p. 31), contains the Garnett Amish community. These Amish are generally progressive when it comes to using technology; allowing tractors for field work and using them for road travel when visiting town.
They are known for providing each family with a telephone, which they use in their trades. However, the phones must be housed separately from their houses.
Amish homes are heated with wood, they do not use electricity and most households have propane for both heating and refrigeration needs. Furthermore, they possess a variety of hand tools like drills and hammers for construction projects.
This settlement’s Amish have a variety of trades, such as carpentry and animal husbandry. Many also raise horses, chickens and cattle for milk or meat production.
Haven
Kansas’ Reno County contains the small settlement of Haven, with 3 church districts and a population of 400 people. Often referred to simply as Yoder, this community serves as home to an active Amish population in this part of Kansas.
The Amish are an ethnic group with a fervent religious identity. They live a relatively strict life, separated from the world in an effort to safeguard their faith and culture. Their belief system is founded upon Jesus Christ’s teachings that life on earth is short and God is ultimately in control of everything. Additionally, they practice spiritual healing – using prayer and natural remedies for illnesses or injuries to overcome them.
Many Amish have been involved in medical research and clinical care. Geneticists particularly enjoy studying the Amish population for inherited health conditions. Furthermore, researchers are exploring whether Amish lifestyle patterns might increase or reduce the risk of certain illnesses.
Due to this growing interest in Amish health (Armer & Radina, 2006; Gesink et al., 2017; Reiter et al., 2009; Sharpnack et al., 2010), they have become a valuable population for health research and public policy initiatives.
Kansas currently has a few Amish communities, all of which are small by national standards. The largest settlement is located in Reno County with two settlements; Anderson County has only one settlement; and Bourbon County boasts a small community near Fort Scott.
Most Amish settlements in Kansas were founded within the past 15 years or so. There were a few communities that started as early as the 1890s, such as one near Hesston in Harvey County.
Though the Amish population in Kansas has increased over time, it still remains small by most estimates. There are exceptions to this rule, such as those living at Thayer settlement in Labette County.
Surprisingly, the Amish in this region are less conservative than their counterparts in Reno or Anderson County. In fact, some Amish communities allow indoor plumbing and engines while others do not (Meindl 31; 100).
Amish opinions regarding life-support procedures and drug usage vary, with no consensus as to whether non-modern medicine is preferable to modern. Many are wary of modern medicine due to its perceived profit-oriented extension of government and large corporations; many also distrust prescription medications as being too harsh or expensive for minor ailments; in some cases they will refuse receiving treatment altogether if it appears too costly or takes place in an unfamiliar institutional setting.