The Amish are a unique and fascinating community known for their simple way of life, traditional values, and rejection of modern technology. While the Amish are often associated with Pennsylvania and Ohio, there are actually several Amish communities throughout the United States, including in Virginia.
The Amish communities in Virginia are relatively small compared to those in other states, but they are still vibrant and active. The largest Amish community in Virginia is located in the town of Dayton, which is in the Shenandoah Valley in the western part of the state. There are also Amish communities in other parts of Virginia, including in the towns of Chatham, Keysville, and Charlotte Court House.
One of the most striking things about the Amish communities in Virginia is how they have managed to maintain their traditional way of life in a rapidly changing world. While the surrounding areas are filled with strip malls, fast food restaurants, and other modern conveniences, the Amish live much as they have for generations. They dress in traditional clothing, grow their own food, and rely on horses and buggies for transportation.
Dayton, VA Amish Community
The Amish community in Dayton, Virginia, is one of the largest and oldest Amish settlements in the state. It is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, and is home to over 100 Amish families.
The Amish in Dayton are known for their traditional way of life, which emphasizes simplicity, hard work, and community. They live in homes that are often made of brick or stone and have large, productive gardens. The community is known for its strong emphasis on agriculture, and many Amish families in Dayton are farmers who grow crops and raise livestock.
One of the most striking things about the Amish in Dayton is their rejection of modern technology. They do not use electricity or electronic devices, and rely on horses and buggies for transportation. This commitment to a simple way of life is deeply ingrained in the culture of the community, and is something that the Amish take very seriously.
The Amish in Dayton are also known for their strong sense of community. They place a high value on family and on helping one another, and often work together on projects such as building barns or planting crops. The community also has a strong religious foundation, and the Amish attend church regularly and follow a strict set of religious practices and beliefs.
One of the best ways to experience the Amish community in Dayton is to take a tour. There are several companies that offer tours of Amish communities in Virginia, and these tours can provide a wealth of information about Amish history, culture, and traditions. Some tours even include stops at Amish farms and businesses, where you can see how the Amish make their living.
If you’re interested in shopping for Amish goods, there are several markets and shops in and around Dayton that cater to tourists. These shops sell a variety of handmade goods, including furniture, quilts, baskets, and food. Some of the most popular shops in the area include the Dayton Farmers Market, the Valley View Mennonite Church Thrift Shop, and the Yoder’s Country Market.
The Amish community in Dayton also hosts several events throughout the year that are open to the public. These events include a fall festival, a benefit auction, and a Christmas bazaar. These events are a great opportunity to experience Amish culture firsthand, and to sample traditional Amish food and crafts.
The Chatham, VA Amish Community
The Chatham New Order Amish settlement in Chatham, Virginia, USA was established in 2013 as a daughter settlement of the Union Grove, North Carolina New Order Amish settlement. When the Union Grove church house reached its capacity of 40 families, six families proposed a new settlement not far from Union Grove.
Some Chatham families were farmers, while others were carpenters or worked in the construction of small farm buildings. Unlike some other Amish communities, Chatham was known as an “electric” New Order Amish settlement, which allowed limited use of electricity for practical purposes.
Sadly, tragedy struck the Chatham community in August 2013, when Junior Brenneman was killed in an accident while the settlement was constructing a hay barn. Despite this devastating event, the community banded together and continued to build their settlement.
Dannie R. Miller, a minister, played a key role in the formation of the new settlement. In 2014, bishop services were provided by the Union Grove bishop, and the settlement was part of the New Order Amish. The settlement was divided into one district with a total of 13 family units.
One of the unique features of the Chatham settlement is the Cherrystone school, which opened in the fall of 2013 with 12 students. The school is located in an older pre-1900s home, hidden away in a secluded location, and provides a traditional education to the children of the community.
Overall, the story of the Chatham New Order Amish settlement is one of perseverance, community, and a commitment to preserving traditional Amish values in a modern world.
The Keysville, VA Amish
The Amish community in Keysville, Virginia, is one of the many Amish settlements scattered throughout the United States. The community is located in the southern part of the state and is home to around 30 Amish families.
The Amish are a religious group known for their simple and traditional way of life, which is based on the teachings of the Bible. They live in close-knit communities, where they work together and rely on each other for support. The Amish in Keysville are no exception and are known for their strong sense of community and adherence to traditional values.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Amish community in Keysville is their mode of transportation. The Amish are known for their rejection of modern technology, and this is reflected in the fact that they do not use cars or other motorized vehicles. Instead, they rely on horse-drawn buggies to get around. This can be seen on the roads around Keysville, where it is common to see Amish families traveling by buggy.
The Amish in Keysville are also known for their traditional dress. Men and boys wear plain, dark clothing and hats, while women and girls wear modest dresses and head coverings. This dress is not just a matter of tradition; it is also a reflection of the Amish belief in simplicity and humility.
Another aspect of Amish life in Keysville is their approach to education. The Amish believe in the importance of education, but they prefer to educate their children within their own community, rather than sending them to public schools. In Keysville, the Amish run their own school, where children learn the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as practical skills such as farming and woodworking.
The Amish in Keysville are primarily engaged in agriculture, with many families operating small farms that produce a variety of crops and livestock. They use traditional farming methods, such as horse-drawn plows and manual labor, and they rely on the land for their livelihood. Many Amish families in Keysville also engage in other forms of traditional handicrafts, such as quilting, woodworking, and basket weaving.
The Amish in Charlotte Court House, VA
The Amish community in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, is a small but tight-knit group of people who live according to their traditional values and practices. The community is situated in the south-central region of the state and is home to around 20 Amish families.
- The Amish settlement in Charlotte Court House was founded in the late 1980s, and has slowly grown over the years to its current size of around 20 families.
- The community is part of the Swartzentruber Amish, which is a more conservative subgroup of the Old Order Amish. This means they tend to be more isolated and less likely to interact with the outside world.
- The Amish in Charlotte Court House use horses not only for transportation but also for farming, logging, and other heavy work. They have a variety of horse-drawn equipment, such as plows, cultivators, and mowers, and take great care in training and caring for their horses.
- The Amish in Charlotte Court House often sell their goods at local farmers’ markets, including fresh produce, baked goods, and handicrafts such as baskets and quilts.
- In addition to their own school, the Amish in Charlotte Court House also operate their own healthcare system. They tend to rely on home remedies and natural treatments, but they will also seek medical attention when necessary. They have their own community health workers, who are trained to provide basic care and first aid.
- The Amish in Charlotte Court House hold weddings in their homes or in community buildings, and the entire community is invited to attend. Weddings are typically held on Thursdays, which is the day before the traditional day of rest and worship for the Amish (Friday).
- The Amish in Charlotte Court House do not use social media or the internet, and prefer to communicate by phone or in person. They do not have electricity in their homes, and instead use kerosene lamps for lighting. They also use ice boxes or propane-powered refrigerators to keep food cool.
Visiting an Amish community in Virginia can be a unique and enriching experience. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip.
First of all, it’s important to respect the Amish way of life. This means dressing modestly and refraining from taking photos of the Amish without their permission. It’s also important to remember that the Amish do not use electricity, so it’s best to leave your electronic devices at home or in your car.
One of the best ways to experience the Amish way of life is to take a tour. There are several companies that offer tours of Amish communities in Virginia, and these tours can provide a wealth of information about Amish history, culture, and traditions. Some tours even include stops at Amish farms and businesses, where you can see how the Amish make their living.
If you’re interested in shopping for Amish goods, there are several markets and shops that cater to tourists in and around the Amish communities in Virginia. These shops sell a variety of handmade goods, including furniture, quilts, baskets, and food. It’s important to note that some Amish businesses may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to bring cash or a checkbook.
One of the best times to visit an Amish community in Virginia is during a festival or event. The Amish communities in Virginia host several festivals throughout the year, including a fall festival in Dayton and a benefit auction in Charlotte Court House. These events are a great opportunity to see the Amish community in action and to sample traditional Amish food.
Overall, visiting an Amish community in Virginia can be a unique and rewarding experience. Just remember to be respectful of the Amish way of life, and to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
