The Amish Life
Deep within the picturesque Ohio countryside, you will find the largest population of Amish in the world. Originally from Switzerland, the Amish settled in Pennsylvania during the 18th century to escape religious persecution and required military service. They are an extremely conservative religious group descended from the Swiss Anabaptist formed in the 16th century.
Eventually the Amish spread across the Midwest and into Canada because of the French and Indian War. In Holmes County, Ohio, the Amish way of life is alive and well, and is seen by hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year. They come not only to see how the Amish live and work, but also to buy quality Amish handmade goods such as quilts, food, and especially Amish handcrafted furniture.
Some Resources about the Amish
Ohio's Amish Heartland, home of the largest population of Amish in the world...
Ohio Amish Fact Sheet: The Amish are not a homogeneous group and are as different and varied as any group of people or culture. This fact sheet simply puts in context...
"The Amish, called "The Plain People" or Old Order Amish, originated in Switzerland about l525. They came from a division of the Mennonites or Anabaptists (Re-baptizers). They opposed..."
Better Off : Flipping the Switch on Technology, by Eric Brende
This book is a very interesting chronicle of a "modern" young couple's experience living in an Amish community for 18 months. A lot of food for thought...
