There aren’t established Amish communities in Louisiana. For those in Louisiana looking to connect with the closest Amish communities for shopping or other purposes, the nearest ones are in Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Ethridge, Tennessee, which is about a 7-8 hour drive from New Orleans, has a significant Amish community.
A Brief History of the Amish in Louisiana
The Amish immigration to America happened in two main waves. The first wave was in the mid-1700s, with many settling in eastern Pennsylvania.
The second wave occurred from the early to mid-1800s. During this second wave, Amish immigrants often arrived through ports like New York and New Orleans.
Some of those who came through New Orleans stayed there temporarily due to lack of funds to move further. This led to a small, short-lived Amish community in the city.
This New Orleans Amish group was unique. Most of its members spoke French since some came from French-speaking regions in Europe like Alsace and Lorraine.
From 1846 to 1872, Christian Maurer, an Amish preacher, led a small church in New Orleans. This church, located at 46 Elmire Street in Algiers Point, received visits from Amish bishops from Ohio and Illinois.
In 1871, a letter noted that the New Orleans Amish Church had 15 members.
The New Orleans Amish community didn’t last and likely merged with the local people.
For detailed information about the New Orleans Amish settlement, David Luthy’s book “The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed, 1840-1960” and Steven Nolt’s “A History of the Amish” are key resources.
Amish Volunteers Rebuilt Homes After Hurricane Ida
Amish volunteers have been involved in aid efforts in Louisiana. For instance, in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, they helped rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Ida.
While Louisiana doesn’t have its own Amish communities, Amish people came to help out for special situations.