Amish Colorado: Culture, Guide & Where to Find

Amish culture represents a tradition of simple living and close-knit communities, values often associated with rural landscapes. Colorado, a state known for its diverse geography encompassing both plains and the Rocky Mountains, presents a unique setting for these communities. This article serves as a guide to understanding the presence of Amish communities in Colorado, offering insights into their way of life and where they are located. While the exact population figures for Amish residents in Colorado are not widely publicized due to their preference for privacy, their presence contributes to the state’s cultural tapestry.

The Amish. The name evokes images of horse-drawn buggies, simple clothing, and a life deliberately set apart from the modern world.

Originating from Anabaptist movements in 16th-century Europe, the Amish are known for their strong religious beliefs, close-knit communities, and commitment to a traditional way of life.

While often associated with states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, Amish communities have also established themselves in other parts of the United States, including the picturesque landscapes of Colorado.

This piece aims to offer a respectful introduction to the Amish community residing in Westcliffe, Colorado. It is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity, recognizing the Amish desire for privacy and their commitment to maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Our goal is to provide an overview of their life in this particular locale, emphasizing understanding and accuracy.

This is not an attempt at exhaustive documentation, but rather an invitation to learn more about a community that has chosen a different path.

Setting the Scene: Custer County, Colorado

Westcliffe is nestled within Custer County, Colorado, a region known for its stunning mountain vistas and wide-open spaces.

The area provides a unique backdrop for the Amish, whose lives are deeply connected to the land. The community’s presence adds another layer to the cultural tapestry of Custer County.

A Glimpse of Westcliffe: Setting the Scene

The Amish. The name evokes images of horse-drawn buggies, simple clothing, and a life deliberately set apart from the modern world. Originating from Anabaptist movements in 16th-century Europe, the Amish are known for their strong religious beliefs, close-knit communities, and commitment to a traditional way of life. While often associated with states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, Amish communities have also established themselves in other parts of the United States, including the picturesque landscapes of Colorado. Let’s explore the backdrop against which the Westcliffe Amish community lives, examining the unique setting that shapes their daily lives and traditions.

Westcliffe and Custer County: A Colorado Context

Westcliffe, nestled in Custer County, Colorado, offers a striking contrast to the more commonly envisioned landscapes of Amish settlements. Custer County, with its expansive valleys and towering mountain ranges, presents a distinct environment for the Amish.

This region, characterized by its high altitude and relatively sparse population, fosters a sense of seclusion that resonates with the Amish emphasis on separation from the wider world. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a majestic backdrop, reinforcing a sense of connection to nature and a slower pace of life.

The social setting of Custer County, while increasingly influenced by modern society, maintains elements of its rural past. This blend of tradition and change creates a unique environment for the Amish community to navigate, balancing their desire for separation with the realities of interacting with the broader population.

Amish Farms & Homesteads: Cornerstones of Community

Farming is not merely an occupation for the Amish; it’s a way of life deeply intertwined with their spiritual beliefs and community structure. Amish farms and homesteads in Westcliffe are fundamental units of both economic activity and social cohesion.

These farms are typically family-run operations, relying on traditional methods of agriculture that minimize dependence on modern technology. This commitment to simpler techniques reflects their belief in self-sufficiency and a close connection to the land.

The layout of Amish homesteads often reflects a communal approach, with homes and outbuildings situated to facilitate interaction and mutual support among family members and neighbors. These homesteads serve as centers of learning, where children are taught practical skills and the values of hard work and cooperation.

Amish Businesses: Integrating Faith and Commerce

While agriculture forms the backbone of their economy, Amish businesses also play a significant role in the Westcliffe community. These businesses, often small-scale and family-owned, provide essential goods and services while upholding Amish values.

Furniture stores are a common example, showcasing handcrafted pieces that reflect a commitment to quality and durability. Bakeries, known for their fresh-baked goods and traditional recipes, offer a taste of Amish hospitality to both community members and visitors.

The operation of these businesses is carefully balanced with their religious beliefs, ensuring that commercial activities do not compromise their commitment to simplicity, community, and separation from the world. Business practices often prioritize fairness, honesty, and a focus on meeting the needs of their neighbors.

Core Beliefs: The Foundation of Amish Life

To truly understand the Amish community in Westcliffe, one must delve into the core beliefs that shape their daily lives. These beliefs, deeply rooted in their interpretation of scripture and tradition, guide their interactions, decisions, and overall way of life. Anabaptism, Gelassenheit, the Ordnung, plain living, and separation from the world are not merely concepts; they are the very essence of Amish identity.

The Centrality of Anabaptism

At the heart of Amish life lies their faith, a branch of Christianity known as Anabaptism. Emerging during the Radical Reformation in 16th-century Europe, Anabaptists believed in adult baptism as a conscious decision of faith, rejecting infant baptism.

This foundational belief underscores the importance of individual responsibility and commitment to one’s spiritual path. Amish faith emphasizes a direct relationship with God, lived out through humility, obedience, and community.

The Bible serves as the ultimate authority, guiding their understanding of God’s will and shaping their moral compass. The Westcliffe Amish community, like others, interprets scripture literally, seeking to apply its teachings to every aspect of their existence.

Embracing Gelassenheit: Submission to God’s Will

Gelassenheit, a German word meaning submission or yielding, is a core principle in Amish life. It represents a willingness to surrender one’s individual will to God’s will and to prioritize the needs of the community above personal desires.

This concept permeates their interactions with others, fostering a spirit of humility and cooperation. Gelassenheit is not passive resignation; rather, it’s an active choice to embrace simplicity, accept life’s challenges with grace, and trust in God’s plan.

In practice, Gelassenheit shapes decisions ranging from career choices to family matters. It encourages a focus on service, compassion, and a deep connection to the land and community.

The Ordnung: Unwritten Rules for Community Cohesion

The Ordnung represents the unwritten set of rules and guidelines that govern Amish life. While not codified in a formal document, the Ordnung is deeply ingrained in their culture and passed down through generations.

It covers a wide range of behaviors, from dress codes and technology use to social interactions and business practices. The specifics of the Ordnung can vary slightly between different Amish communities, reflecting local traditions and leadership.

The Ordnung serves as a vital tool for maintaining community cohesion and preserving their unique way of life. It fosters a sense of belonging, shared identity, and commitment to upholding traditional values.

Plain Living: Simplicity in Lifestyle and Attire

Plain living is a hallmark of Amish culture, reflecting their belief in the importance of simplicity and humility. It encompasses all aspects of their lives, from their homes and furnishings to their clothing and transportation.

Amish clothing is characterized by its modesty, practicality, and lack of adornment. This is a deliberate rejection of worldly fashion and a symbol of their commitment to inner values over outward appearances.

Their homes are typically simple and functional, avoiding excessive decoration or modern conveniences. The focus is on creating a space that fosters family life, community gatherings, and spiritual reflection.

Separation from the World: Maintaining Distinctiveness

The Amish believe in maintaining a certain degree of separation from the outside world. This is not about isolation or hostility, but rather a conscious effort to preserve their unique culture and values.

They carefully consider the potential impact of external influences on their community, particularly in areas such as technology, education, and entertainment. Their separation helps them to resist assimilation into mainstream society and to maintain their distinct identity.

This commitment to separation is not without its challenges, particularly in a world that is increasingly interconnected. However, the Amish believe that it is essential for preserving their faith, family values, and way of life.

Community Structure: Leadership and Social Fabric

To comprehend the Amish community in Westcliffe fully, it is essential to examine the intricate structure that binds them together. This structure, characterized by strong leadership roles and deeply ingrained social traditions, provides the framework for their unique way of life. The roles of Bishops/Elders, Business Owners, Schools, and Churches/Meeting Houses are vital in maintaining social order and preserving Amish traditions.

The Guiding Hand: Amish Bishops and Elders

The spiritual and communal guidance within the Amish community rests heavily on the shoulders of the Bishops and Elders. These individuals are not merely religious figures; they are the cornerstones of Amish society.

Chosen from within the community, they are seen as interpreters of God’s will and the Ordnung. Their responsibilities are multifaceted, ranging from officiating religious ceremonies to providing counsel and resolving disputes.

The Bishop holds ultimate authority within the district, making critical decisions that affect the lives of all members. Their leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a commitment to upholding Amish values.

The elders assist the bishop in their duties, acting as advisors and supporting the spiritual well-being of the community. This hierarchical structure ensures that decisions are made collectively, with the best interests of the community at heart.

Economic Engine: The Role of Amish Business Owners

While often perceived as solely agrarian, the Amish community in Westcliffe also thrives through various small businesses. These businesses, ranging from carpentry and furniture making to bakeries and quilt shops, play a crucial role in sustaining the community’s economic self-sufficiency.

Amish business owners are not just entrepreneurs; they are integral parts of the social fabric. Their businesses provide employment opportunities within the community, allowing members to remain close to their families and traditions.

Furthermore, these businesses often operate on principles of honesty, integrity, and hard work, reflecting core Amish values. This approach fosters trust within the community and strengthens its economic foundation.

These businesses tend to emphasize quality craftsmanship and durability, appealing to those seeking alternatives to mass-produced goods. This helps the Amish preserve their way of life, while contributing to the broader local economy.

Nurturing the Future: The Importance of Amish Schools

Education within the Amish community is a deeply cherished tradition, focused on preserving their culture and values. Amish schools typically provide education up to the eighth grade, emphasizing practical skills and religious instruction.

The primary goal of Amish education is not to prepare students for higher education or worldly careers, but rather to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive within their community.

Subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and history are taught within the context of Amish values and beliefs. Great importance is placed on instilling a strong work ethic, moral character, and a commitment to community service.

The teachers, often young women from within the community, serve as role models, embodying the values that are central to Amish life. Through their dedication, they ensure that the traditions and beliefs are passed on to the next generation.

Heart of the Community: Churches and Meeting Houses

Churches and meeting houses are the central hubs for spiritual life, social gatherings, and community decision-making. The simplicity of these spaces reflects the Amish emphasis on humility and plain living.

Worship services, held in homes or meeting houses, are a time for reflection, prayer, and fellowship. These gatherings are an opportunity to reinforce their shared beliefs and strengthen the bonds that unite them.

Beyond religious services, these spaces also serve as locations for community meetings, weddings, and other important events. The church is not just a building; it is the heart of the Amish community.

The structure is simple, yet it holds great importance. It’s a foundation for the social structure.

Navigating Technology: A Deliberate Approach

To comprehend the Amish community in Westcliffe fully, it is essential to understand their considered and nuanced approach to technology. It would be inaccurate to assume a complete rejection of modern advancements. Instead, the Amish engage in a process of selective adoption, carefully weighing the benefits of each technology against its potential impact on their community, faith, and way of life. This deliberate approach seeks to utilize technology in ways that support their values while minimizing disruption to their traditions.

Selective Integration

The Amish do not categorically reject all technology. Instead, they evaluate each innovation based on its potential to strengthen or undermine their core tenets. This process often involves community discussion and discernment, guided by the Ordnung and the counsel of church leaders.

Considerations might include:

• Does the technology promote self-sufficiency or dependence on the outside world?
• Does it foster community interaction or isolation?
• Does it encourage humility and simplicity or pride and materialism?

Adaptations and Alternatives

When the Amish do adopt a technology, they often modify it to better suit their needs and values.

For example, they might use generators powered by propane or batteries instead of connecting to the electrical grid. This allows them to utilize tools and appliances while maintaining control over their energy source and limiting their dependence on external systems.

Similarly, they may use telephones located in a shared community phone booth rather than having personal phones in their homes. This facilitates necessary communication while minimizing the potential for distractions and unwanted intrusions into family life.

Technology in Business

Technology plays a significant role in many Amish-owned businesses, though its application is always carefully considered.

Power tools, for instance, might be used in woodworking shops to increase efficiency and productivity, allowing them to create high-quality furniture and other goods that are sold both locally and beyond.

Computers and the internet might be used for managing inventory, communicating with suppliers, or processing orders, but these technologies are often kept in a separate office space, away from the home.

The Role of Horse and Buggy

The horse and buggy, perhaps the most iconic symbol of Amish life, is not simply a rejection of the automobile. It represents a conscious choice to prioritize community, connection with nature, and a slower pace of life.

The horse and buggy allows for regular interaction with neighbors, fosters a sense of shared experience, and limits the distance that can be easily traveled, thus reinforcing the importance of local community ties.

While it may seem like a step back in time, the horse and buggy is, for the Amish, a practical and symbolic expression of their values and a deliberate choice to resist the isolating effects of modern transportation.

Maintaining Balance

The Amish approach to technology is not static; it is an ongoing process of evaluation and adaptation.

As new technologies emerge, the Amish community will continue to grapple with their potential benefits and drawbacks, seeking to maintain a balance between tradition and progress, faith and practicality. This ongoing discernment is a testament to their commitment to living a deliberate and intentional life, guided by their deeply held beliefs and values.

Further Exploration: Resources for Deeper Understanding

To respectfully engage with and learn more about the Amish community in Westcliffe, Colorado, consider the following resources that can deepen your understanding while promoting responsible interaction. It is imperative to approach these resources with a commitment to ethical engagement and respect for the Amish way of life.

Recommended Reading: Books and Articles

Several insightful books and academic articles offer valuable perspectives on Amish culture, history, and beliefs. These resources can provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of their society.

• "Amish Society" by John A. Hostetler: A comprehensive and classic sociological study of Amish life.

• "The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World" by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher: This book offers a balanced overview of Amish beliefs, practices, and challenges in the modern world.

• "Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures & Identities" (2nd ed.) edited by Steven M. Nolt and Thomas J. Meyers: An academic resource showing that not all Amish are alike.

• Relevant Articles: Search academic databases for scholarly articles on specific aspects of Amish life, such as education, technology, or economic practices.

Remember to critically evaluate the sources and seek diverse perspectives.

Online Resources: Navigating Ethical Considerations

Finding reliable online information can be challenging. If available, consider looking for websites directly managed by Amish businesses or organizations, but understand that such instances are rare due to their technology usage guidelines.

Many websites provide general information about the Amish, but it’s essential to assess their credibility and potential biases.

Proceed with caution and prioritize sources that demonstrate respect and accuracy.

Ethical Considerations for Online Interaction:

• Privacy: Respect the privacy of individuals.
  Avoid seeking out personal information or engaging in online discussions that could compromise their safety or anonymity.

• Accuracy: Verify information from multiple sources.
  Be wary of sensationalized or stereotypical portrayals.

Ethical Tourism: Guidelines for Respectful Visits

If you plan to visit Westcliffe and interact with the Amish community, adhere to ethical tourism guidelines to minimize disruption and demonstrate respect.

• Dress modestly: Wear clothing that is respectful of their cultural norms.

• Avoid photography without permission: Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals or their property.

• Respect their privacy: Do not intrude on their private lives or spaces.

• Support local Amish businesses respectfully: Purchase goods and services directly from them, but avoid haggling excessively or attempting to impose your values.

• Learn about their culture: Educate yourself about Amish customs and beliefs before your visit.

Photography: Balancing Documentation with Respect

Photography can be a powerful tool for documenting and sharing cultural experiences, but it’s crucial to approach it with sensitivity and respect when interacting with the Amish community. Always seek explicit permission before taking photographs of individuals.

Guidelines for Ethical Photography:

• Prioritize Consent: Never take photographs without obtaining clear and informed consent from the individuals involved.

• Respect Privacy: Avoid photographing private moments or activities that could be considered intrusive.

• Be Mindful of Context: Understand the cultural significance of the situation and avoid taking photographs that could be misconstrued or disrespectful.

• Share Responsibly: If you share your photographs online or in other forums, do so in a way that respects the dignity and privacy of the Amish community.

The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies

The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College is a valuable resource for academic research and public education about Anabaptist groups, including the Amish.

• Website: The Young Center’s website offers a wealth of information, including scholarly articles, research reports, and educational materials.

• Events: The Center hosts conferences, workshops, and other events that provide opportunities to learn from leading experts in the field.

• Resources: The Center’s library and archives contain a vast collection of materials related to Anabaptist history and culture.

By utilizing these resources responsibly and ethically, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Amish community in Westcliffe, Colorado, and promote respectful interactions that honor their way of life.

Ethical Considerations: Respect, Privacy, and Accuracy

To respectfully engage with and learn more about the Amish community, it is essential to approach the subject matter with a strong ethical compass. Understanding their values and way of life requires more than just factual knowledge; it demands a commitment to privacy, accuracy, respect, and humility in all interactions and representations.

The Paramount Importance of Privacy

Respecting the privacy of the Amish community is paramount. Their deliberate separation from mainstream society stems from deeply held religious beliefs and a desire to protect their way of life.

Unwanted attention can disrupt their daily routines, compromise their safety, and conflict with their spiritual values.

Therefore, it is crucial to avoid intrusive behaviors, such as taking photographs without permission, trespassing on private property, or attempting to engage in unsolicited conversations. Remember that their choice to live apart deserves the utmost respect.

Accuracy in Representation: Avoiding Stereotypes

Representing Amish culture accurately is vital to dispelling misconceptions and fostering genuine understanding. Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or relying on sensationalized portrayals often found in popular media.

Instead, seek out reliable sources of information, such as academic studies, reputable documentaries, and firsthand accounts from trusted sources.

It is also important to remember that Amish communities are not monolithic. Practices and beliefs can vary significantly between settlements and even within the same community.

Therefore, avoid making sweeping generalizations and strive to understand the specific context of the community you are learning about.

Respect in Interactions and Portrayals

Respect should be the guiding principle in all interactions with and portrayals of the Amish community. This includes both direct interactions and indirect representations in writing, photography, or other forms of media.

Be mindful of their customs, traditions, and beliefs, even if they differ from your own. Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment on their way of life.

When interacting with Amish individuals, dress modestly, speak respectfully, and avoid using electronic devices unless explicitly permitted.

In portrayals of the Amish, avoid romanticizing or exoticizing their way of life. Instead, strive to depict them as complex individuals with their own joys, struggles, and aspirations.

Humility: Acknowledging the Limits of Understanding

Finally, approach the study of Amish culture with humility. Recognize that you can never fully understand their experiences or perspectives unless you have lived among them.

Avoid claiming to be an expert or speaking with authority on matters that you do not fully comprehend.

Instead, adopt a posture of learning and openness, acknowledging the limits of your own understanding.

Be willing to listen to different perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. By approaching the study of Amish culture with humility, you can foster a deeper and more meaningful appreciation for their unique way of life.

By prioritizing privacy, accuracy, respect, and humility, we can engage with the Amish community in a way that is both ethical and enriching.

So, whether you’re drawn to the simple life or just curious about a different way of living, exploring the Amish communities in Colorado can be a really unique experience. Remember to be respectful and mindful during your visit, and who knows, maybe you’ll even pick up a new appreciation for slowing down and enjoying the little things!