Stapleton Colony

Entrance to the Brotherhood Church, Stapleton - geograph.org.uk - 274521

Stapleton Colony
Hutterite Colony
Country	United States
State	South Dakota
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)

Stapleton Colony is a Hutterite commune located in South Dakota, United States. It is part of the Hutterite Brethren, a group of Anabaptist Christians known for their communal living and self-sufficient agricultural practices.

History

The Hutterites trace their origins to the Radical Reformation of the 16th century. The Stapleton Colony, like other Hutterite colonies, was established to maintain the community's religious and cultural traditions. The exact date of the establishment of Stapleton Colony is not well-documented, but it follows the general pattern of Hutterite expansion in North America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Community Life

Stapleton Colony operates on the principles of communal living, where property and resources are shared among the members. The colony is self-sufficient, with a focus on agriculture, livestock farming, and various forms of craftsmanship. The community adheres to a strict religious lifestyle, with daily activities centered around communal worship and work.

Education

Education within the Stapleton Colony is managed internally, with a focus on both religious instruction and practical skills necessary for the community's self-sufficiency. Children attend colony schools where they are taught by community members.

Economy

The economy of Stapleton Colony is primarily based on agriculture. The colony produces a variety of crops and livestock, which are used to sustain the community and are also sold in external markets. The colony may also engage in other forms of production, such as manufacturing and craftsmanship, to support its economic needs.

Governance

The governance of Stapleton Colony is based on the Hutterite tradition of communal decision-making. Leadership roles are typically filled by elder members of the community, who are responsible for making decisions regarding the colony's operations, religious practices, and external relations.

Culture

The culture of Stapleton Colony is deeply rooted in Hutterite traditions, which emphasize simplicity, humility, and community. The community maintains its own distinct dialect of German, known as Hutterisch, and follows traditional Hutterite customs in dress, diet, and social practices.

See also

• Hutterite
• Anabaptist
• Communal living
• Agriculture in the United States
• South Dakota