Amana Colonies, IA

The Amana Colonies (7 villages: Amana (largest village), Middle Amana, High Amana, West Amana, South Amana, Homestead and East Amana) were established by a religious movement in the early 1700’s in Germany by Lutheran clergymen and their followers.  After breaking away from the church this group faced unyielding persecution which forced them to immigrate in 1842 to Ebenezer, New York.  Wishing to establish a permanent home, the leaders moved the group west to the fertile lands of Iowa, establishing the Amana Colonies of True Inspiration in 1855.  A communal system was installed motivated by deep religious convictions.  They became a completely self-sufficient society, requiring little contact with the “outside” world.  This system thrived for over 80 years before economic and social changes forced the leaders to develop a new plan.  They changed by becoming a corporation allowing private ownership of property.

During the communal kitchen days, men ate at one table and women and children ate at another.  Only fifteen minutes were allowed for a meal and conversation.

 

 

Typical Farm

 

Amana

Maypole

 



 

Woolen Mill

 

Craftsman