The Shakers in Watervliet
Learn about their lives and accomplishments
The Shaker movement began in Manchester, England and arrived in the United States of America just before the American Revolution in 1776. They preached cleanliness, honesty, tolerance, and hard work. The Shaker community as a whole influenced American history in many areas such as technology, agriculture, women's role in society, decorative arts and design.
of communal living among four Shakers 'Families' in Watervliet
of farmland for crops for seeds, canned goods and industry
in Watervliet and 4,000 to 6,000 Shakers nationwide
The Watervliet Shaker community perplexed their neighbors with their pacifist beliefs, living arrangement, views on equal authority of women, and treating all people as equals. The Shakers' entrepreneurship allowed the settlement to thrive throughout the 19th century, expanding their presence to 20 communities in 8 states. The Shakers neat and efficient communities were internationally recognized and inspired many in the non-Shaker world.