The History of The Amish

This page explores the complete history of the Amish people, beginning with their origins in the early Anabaptist movement of Europe. It explains what they believed, why they were persecuted, imprisoned or killed for their faith, and why they eventually came to the United States. It also covers Amish customs, beliefs, traditions, daily life, and the different Amish groups that exist today. This page is meant to give visitors a clear understanding of who the Amish are, where they came from, and what they believe.

1520s to 1530s

The Birth of the Anabaptist Movement

The Amish story begins with the early Anabaptists in Switzerland and southern Germany during the Protestant Reformation. These believers taught that faith must be a personal choice, so baptism should be for committed adults rather than infants. They also emphasized living simply, rejecting violence, helping the poor, and keeping the church separate from government authority. Their teachings challenged both Catholic and Protestant leaders, creating a major religious turning point that would eventually form the Mennonites and, later, the Amish.

1530s to 1700

Persecution and Martyrdom

Anabaptists quickly became one of the most persecuted groups in Europe. Governments and state-supported churches saw adult baptism and independence from government control as a direct threat. Thousands were hunted, arrested, beaten, tortured, and imprisoned. Many were forced to flee into forests, mountains, or other countries just to survive.

Executions were common. Men and women were drowned in rivers, burned at the stake, beheaded in public squares, or starved in underground cells. Despite this, their communities grew, held together by strong faith and the belief that suffering for Christ was part of their calling. These stories were preserved in the “Martyrs Mirror,” a large historical book published in 1660 that records more than eleven hundred executions.

1693

Jakob Ammann Leads a Division

By the late sixteen hundreds, disagreements arose among the Swiss Brethren. Jakob Ammann, a minister from Switzerland, believed the church had grown too relaxed. He insisted on stricter discipline, simple clothing, humility, stronger separation from the world, and the practice of social avoidance for members who refused to follow church teachings.

His ideas created a divide. Those who followed Ammann became known as the Amish, while others who preferred a less strict path continued as Mennonites. This moment permanently shaped Amish identity.

1720 to 1737

First Amish Families Arrive in America

As persecution continued and farmland became scarce in Europe, Amish families began searching for a place where they could live in peace. William Penn offered religious freedom in his new colony of Pennsylvania.

The first Amish families arrived around 1720 and settled in Lancaster County and surrounding regions. America became a safe home where they could farm, raise families, and practice their beliefs without fear of imprisonment or death.

1740s to 1850

Amish Expansion in the United States

As the American colonies grew, Amish families moved deeper into the countryside. New communities formed in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Amish became known for their strong farming skills, simple homes, and close family life.

By the mid eighteen hundreds, nearly all Amish lived in North America because European persecution had slowed, and many had already joined relatives who had moved earlier.

1860s to 1910

New Amish Divisions

As technology and culture changed, the Amish disagreed on how much modern life should be accepted. Some groups allowed small changes, while others kept strict limits. These differences created new branches, including Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Swartzentruber Amish, and later Beachy Amish Mennonites.

Each Amish community created its own Ordnung, which is a written or unwritten set of rules that guides worship, clothing, technology, and daily life.

1910 to 1950

Preservation of Tradition

The early twentieth century brought telephones, electricity, cars, and new machinery. While the rest of America modernized, the Amish chose to hold tightly to their traditional way of life. Most Old Order Amish rejected electricity, automobiles, and telephones to protect family closeness and community unity. Horse and buggy travel continued, and homes remained simple and plain.

This period firmly established the lifestyle that people recognize as “Amish” today.

1950 to 2000

Growing in Numbers

Amish families are large, and communities naturally expanded into new regions. Settlements spread into Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, and other states.

While farming remained important, many Amish began small businesses such as woodworking, bulk food stores, bakeries, greenhouses, construction crews, furniture making, and natural product shops.
Education continued to focus on community values, with Amish children attending one room schools and completing eighth grade before learning trades at home.

2000 to Present

Modern Amish Life

The Amish population has grown to more than three hundred and fifty thousand people in North America. While traditions remain strong, many communities now run successful businesses and contribute significantly to the local economy through farming, woodworking, retail shops, zoos, bakeries, and natural health product stores.

Technology acceptance varies by group, but the core values remain the same: strong family ties, deep faith, humility, modesty, simplicity, and a commitment to protecting community life.

The Amish in Kentucky Today

Kentucky is home to several thriving Amish communities, including the Old Order settlement near Munfordville, which the Farmwald family belongs to. These communities bring traditional farming, handcrafted goods, natural products, woodworking, and strong family values to the region.

Kentucky Amish remain closely connected to their roots, while also playing an important role in local culture and local business through their stores, shops, produce, and craftsmanship. In the map below you can find directions to all of the local Amish owned businesses