Amish settlements are primarily concentrated in the United States and Canada, with the largest populations in Pennsylvania (Lancaster County) and Ohio (Holmes County), but also spread across over 30 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces, with smaller, newer communities in South America (Bolivia) and a history of failed settlements in Europe and other parts of Latin America.
Major US & Canadian Settlements
- Pennsylvania: Lancaster County (largest), Chester, York, Mifflin Counties.
- Ohio: Holmes County (second largest), Geauga County, Wayne, Coshocton Counties.
- Indiana: Elkhart/LaGrange Counties, Adams County, Nappanee area, Daviess County.
- Other US States: Wisconsin, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, etc..
- Canada: Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick (three provinces).
International Presence (Smaller & Historical)
- South America: Bolivia (Colonia Naranjita), with a history of settlements in Argentina (now mostly disbanded).
- Europe: Some Amish communities in Europe merged with Mennonites; remnants exist, but not large, distinct settlements.
Key Characteristics
- Growth: Over 400,000 Amish in North America, with settlements expanding into new areas.
- Focus: Most communities remain within the US and Canada, maintaining distinct cultural practices like plain dress and horse-and-buggy transport.
- Feet: Mule hooves are harder and tougher than horse hooves, excellent for rugged trails.
- Strength: Mules often carry weight better and are more enduring than horses, inheriting donkey toughness and horse size.
- Mules are hybrids (male donkey + female horse) with long ears, tough hooves, and a stocky build, known for hardiness, intelligence, and endurance, unlike horses, which are pure species (various breeds), generally faster, and have varied temperaments but smaller ears and different feet; mules are sterile, inheriting donkey strength and horse stamina but a unique mix of traits.
Mules (Hybrid)Parentage: Male Donkey + Female Horse.
Appearance: Long ears, thicker head, horse-like body with donkey-like hindquarters, thin mane/tail, tough hooves.
Temperament: Intelligent, cautious, strong sense of self-preservation - Abilities: Excellent pack animals, sure-footed on rough terrain, strong, long-lived.
Sound: A sound between a horse’s whinny and a donkey’s “hee-haw”.