Texas is a big state, so this should be a big post about Amish communities in Texas. Curiously, though, the Lone Star State doesn't have much of an Amish population. And what communities that do exist in Texas tend to be small.
That doesn't mean the state, though, is completely devoid of a Plain presence. The Amish have made attempts, with varying degrees of success, to settle in the state. We'll look at some of them now. But, first....
❓Why Doesn't Texas Have More Amish ?
There are a combination of factors contributing to lack of interest among the Amish in Texas. Here are some of the factors that I think stops more from moving to Alamo country.
Weather/climate: The Amish have historically been small-scale farmers and the climate in Texas can be rough for farmers without access to large irrigation systems. The state can also get very, very hot and since most Amish don't have indoor air-conditioning, move to what is essentially an oven, doesn't have much appeal.
Distance: With so many Amish clustered in the Midwest, moving to Texas is quite the geographical jump for many. It would mean long, expensive trips to and from family in the Midwest. The closest Amish communities to Texas are in Oklahoma and Kansas, which have stable, established settlements. There's no real reason for Amish there to head south to Texas.
Amish economics: There Amish are doing less and less farming as part of their existence, which means more trades like furniture-making, cabinet making, and carpentry. Shipping goods from Texas would be expensive. It makes more sense for many Amish to stay near established tourist corridors where customers are familiar with Amish craftsmanship.
There may be other reasons, but these are some that jump out at me.
🏴 Amish in Texas - Where Are The Communities
Stephenville: This community sprung up about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth in the 1990s, but it didn't last long. It seemed to be a grand experiment and a New York Times article from the era says about it:
Unlike other Amish, most have phones. They say it's necessary for their work, where they're often needed at odd hours. Most live in small houses or mobile homes with electricity. Since the homes are usually provided by employers, they see that as an extension of a working arrangement and thus allowable. Some even drive their employer's pickup truck to work, while using a buggy for their own needs.
The community didn't last all that long, I think, for the reasons I stated above: too far from family in the established Midwestern communities. For an Amish community to really succeed in Texas, a large group is needed that can provide stability.
Beeville: This is a community I have visited in the past. The Beeville Amish are a distinctive and small group that have managed to endure in the harsh, scrubby farmland here since 1999. The bishop here is Truman Borntrager, and most of the families here are connected to him in some way.
There are lush groves of grapefruit here and the Amish have a distinctive Tex-Mex tilt to their cooking. But If you are looking for bucolic, lush Lancaster County type Amish scenery of well-kept farmhouses, you won't find it here. This is a very conservative, closed Amish community with no tourism centered around it.
Lott, Texas: Honestly, if you want to experience an Amish community in Texas, the settlement at Lott is almost more representative of one than Beeville, although you won't find buggies in Lott. But members of the Faith Mennonite Fellowship in Lott who started the community in 1980 maintain close ties to family and friends in the Amish Midwest. They dress plainly, living simply, and limit technology.
You'll get an authentic Amish market experience by visiting Miller's Country Market and Restaurant at 2131 State Highway 320, Lott , TX 76656-3795
A Tripadvisor reviewer said this about this Mennonite market: We discovered this little gem of a restaurant when looking for a lunch stop near Westphalia, Texas. Miller’s is owned and run by a Mennonite family and their hard work pays off in the endless stream of customers at the counter. This is a popular stop for locals and those passing through on highway 77. Try the special chicken salad sandwich. It’s delicious!
🛍️ Amish Businesses in Texas
While there are not many actual Amish living in Texas, there are still places where you can get an "Amish experience" either through baked goods and bulk foods or purchasing Amish-made furniture. Here are some businesses in Texas you might be interested in. We are constantly updating state lists, so if something was missed, email [email protected] and we'll update the list!
Heritage Market and Bakery, 1226 South Elm, Kemp Texas....a classic Mennonite market and bulk food store about 40 miles southeast of Dallas. Here is a TripAdvisor review:
I think this is one of my favorite places to visit for lunch meat, cheeses and fresh eggs. Just about everything is sourced locally or comes from Pennsylvania. This is a Mennonite run bakery with a furniture store next door. Employees are friendly and helpful. There are all sorts of goodies inside with some fresh produce from time to time. I live in the area so I visit often.
Hill Country Amish 408 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg,Texas
Veal Station Amish Market, 1312 Veal Station Road, Weatherford, Texas
Amish Furniture Showcase, 3411 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas
cammy
There is an amish store and furniture store in kemp, tx. They have the best fried pies and I stock up when I go to visit my grandkids who live about 4 miles from it. It's just off of the highway toward the downtown area. I believe it is still in Kaufman County,
Kevin Williams
Thank you, Cammy, for telling me about it, I was happy to add it to my list...I looked up some information about it and it seems great, you are lucky your grandkids live so close to it!
cammy
Thank you for adding the Kemp store to the list. I also buy smoked, pickled ham hocks if they have them in and the smoked edam cheese. I was ordering the cheese from Ohio at I believe Sugar Creek. Having it near is so much easier. The employees are really nice and pleasant. I hope a lot more top by there to shop for all sorts of things.