The Amana Colonies is a settlement of German Pietists comprised of seven different villages. Calling themselves the Ebenezer Society, they first settled in New York state near Buffalo. However, to live out their beliefs in more isolated surroundings, they moved west to the rich soil of east-central Iowa (near present-day Iowa City) in 1855. They lived a communal life until the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, Amana is a major tourist attraction known mainly for its restaurants and craft shops. Included in the shops are woodworking shops, wine shops, and even a brewery called Millstream. The colonies as a whole are currently listed as a National Historic Landmark.

External links

• Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.amanacolonies.com)