Amana Colonies In Iowa

Black and white illustration of a town with a smoke stack in the center. Black text surrounding the illustration on white background. 

A religious commune based in Iowa, the Amana Colony was founded in 1854 by the Community of True Inspiration. They came to America from Germany in the mid-19th century to escape persecution and economic depression. Doctrinally, they believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, can inspire individuals to speak on His behalf. Although they initially settled in Buffalo, New York, they found a promising spot to settle along the Iowa River a decade later. Since the second half of the 20th century, the the community has been increasingly known for its high quality craftsmanship and consumer goods. The colony was declared a 'National Historic Site' in 1965.