News & Events

Wildlife & Outdoor Expo

Wildlife & Outdoor Expo

Jul 11, 2022

The Wildlife & Outdoor Expo (sponsored by Historic Bethel German Colony) will highlight a variety of exhibitors and vendors showcasing such items as: hunting products and accessories, equipment, and outdoor related crafts for purchase. Educational seminars will be...

Bethel Colony Board Position Application

Bethel Colony Board Position Application

Mar 21, 2022

The Historic Bethel German Colony Board is accepting applications to fill a vacancy. If you are interested in being considered for the Board, fill out the application below and submit by April 6, 2022, to the Fest Hall, 127 North Main, Bethel, MO 63434.  

Spring Market – April 23 & 24, 2022

Spring Market – April 23 & 24, 2022

Mar 18, 2022

Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel in 2022 for the NEW Bethel Colony Spring Market... April 23-24, 2022 ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans • Antique Vendors • Craftsmen • Flea Market Tables • Vintage Finds • Home Decor • Collectibles • Furniture and...

Our History

Bethel, in North River Valley, five miles from Shelbyville, was founded in 1844 as a religious communal colony by Wilhelm Keil and his German-American followers. Keil (1812-1877), an independent preacher, called his adherents “Christians.” Without a written agreement, they shared their property and labor, though private earnings were allowed. Bethel community was early noted for its handicrafts and musical band.

Membership was about 650 in 1855 when Keil, fearing Bethel too subject to outside influence, led a group west and established Aurora Colony in Oregon. Their expedition over the Oregon Trail is unique for it was conducted as a funeral cortege. Keil’s son, Willie, died before he realized his father’s promise to lead the group and was carried instead in the head wagon in a metal box, alcohol-filled. After six months and over 2000 miles, he was buried at Willapa, Washington.

Keil never returned to Bethel, directing affairs there by letter. When the colonies disbanded, 1879-1881, they held property in common valued at $109,806. Bethel supplied $64,328 of this and owned 4267 acres.