There are many facets to the history of Oelwein. In the following pages we recount some of the history about the stuff listed here:

•  The City of Oelwein 
•  The Railroad 
•  The Businesses 
•  The Buildings & Architecture 
•  The Schools 

•  The People 
•  The Residences 
•  The Churches 
•   The Amish 
•  The Parks & Lakes 

The Amish belong to a Protestant group that originated in Switzerland, but is now centered in the United States and Canada. The Amish teach separation from the world. Members are forbidden to go to war, swear oaths, or hold public offices. Their doctrine requires farming and personal simplicity as a way of life. Amish men wear beards and wide-brimmed hats and the women wear plain long dresses and bonnets. Members meet in their homes every two weeks for worship. They till the soil with horses, and their Ordnung (rules) prohibit the use of electricity and telephones. They limit education to the eighth grade.

The Amish were named for Jacob Ammann, who led them in breaking away from the Swiss Mennonites in the 1690's because of disagreements over church discipline. The Amish were more strict and shunned (avoided completely) excommunicated members. They first came to North America in 1728. Today, they live in farm communities in 23 states and in Ontario. Their largest communities are found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois.