The Amish in America aren't immigrants. They're refugees. The difference is significant.
First Wave (1730-1770)
From the Palatinate and Alsace. Ships from Rotterdam to Philadelphia. 6-12 weeks at sea. Conditions: hold, crowding, disease. Mortality 10-20%. Cost: $50-100 per family (a farmer's annual income).
Second Wave (1815-1860)
After Napoleonic wars — renewed persecution. From Alsace and Lorraine. To Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois.
Fact
By 1900, not a single Amish person remained in Europe. All had left or assimilated. The Amish are a 100% American phenomenon. The only country where they live — the US (and a few in Canada).
First Communities
Lancaster, Pennsylvania (1730s): oldest, still exists. Mifflin, PA (1791). Somerset, PA (1772). Holmes, Ohio (1808): largest today. Elkhart, Indiana (1841).
Growth
1900: 8,000. 1950: 33,000. 2000: 165,000. 2025: 400,000+. Doubling every 20 years. Without missionary work, without advertising. Only family.