The Amish Gangsters of North Carolina

Photo bydall-e

When people think of the Amish, images of tranquil rural life, horse-drawn buggies, and hand-crafted furniture often come to mind. However, recent discussions about "Amish gangsters" in North Carolina paint a very different, more sensational picture. The reality, though, is far less dramatic.

The Amish Presence in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to two small Amish communities: Union Grove and Ellenboro. The Union Grove settlement, established in 1985 by Amish from Guthrie, Kentucky, is notable for its New Order Amish who accept some modern conveniences, including electricity​​​​. In contrast, the Ellenboro community, formed more recently, is part of the Swartzentruber Amish, one of the most conservative groups that shun modern technology​​.

Union Grove: The New Order Amish

Union Grove is the older and slightly more modern of the two communities. Located in Iredell County, this settlement allows for some modern adaptations which include the use of electricity. This community has managed to sustain itself over the decades, partly because of its acceptance of certain modern conveniences, which make life a bit easier in the often humid and hot climate of North Carolina​​​​.

A key feature of Union Grove is the Shiloh General Store, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. This store sells a variety of goods, from homemade jams to bulk foods and hand-crafted furniture. It’s a cultural hub where the Amish interact with the non-Amish (often referred to as "English") community, creating a bridge between two very different worlds​​.

Ellenboro: The Conservative Swartzentruber Amish

Approximately 90 miles away from Union Grove is the Ellenboro community, which adheres to stricter traditions. The Swartzentruber Amish in Ellenboro live a lifestyle that closely resembles that of their ancestors, avoiding electricity and modern conveniences as much as possible. This community is known for its simplicity and strict adherence to Amish norms, making it quite different from the relatively progressive Union Grove​​​​.

Addressing the Myth of Amish Gangsters

The notion of "Amish gangsters" in North Carolina is more myth than reality. The term seems to be a sensationalized label rather than a factual representation of the Amish in the state. The communities in Union Grove and Ellenboro are small, close-knit groups focused on maintaining their traditional ways of life amidst the encroachments of modern society. Crime rates in Amish communities are generally low, and their lifestyle revolves around pacifism and community support​​.

In fact, the biggest challenges these communities face are not internal strife or crime, but external pressures such as land prices, the need for spiritual leadership, and adapting to local regulations and climate conditions. For instance, the Amish in Currituck County, a defunct settlement, struggled with the flammable nature of the local swamp muck and frequent mosquito infestations, which added to the difficulties of maintaining a sustainable community there​​.

The Real Story

The real story of the Amish in North Carolina is one of resilience and adaptation. These communities, though small, continue to thrive by balancing their traditions with the demands of the modern world. They represent a fascinating slice of American life, where old-world values meet contemporary challenges. Visitors to places like the Shiloh General Store can catch a glimpse of this unique way of life and perhaps understand why the Amish choose to maintain their traditions even in the face of modern pressures​​.

Sources:

• Only In Your State
• Amish America
• Amish America - Shiloh General Store