historicbethel.org | Historical Bethel German Colony

News & Events

Bethel Colony Spring Market

Mar 14, 2023

Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel for the Bethel Colony Spring Market April 15-16, 2023 Admission $2 Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-3pm FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES! • Artisans • Antique Vendors • Craftsmen • Flea Market Tables • Vintage Finds • Home Decor •...

2023 Colony Events

Mar 5, 2023

Follow our Facebook page for details about upcoming events in 2023. Here are a few: March 5 - Annual Meeting April 15-16 - Bethel Spring Market June 11-16 - Youth Fiddle Camp (limited registration) August 26 - Wildlife & Outdoor Expo September 30-October 1 -...

Bethel Colony 2023 Market Dates Announced

Jan 23, 2023

Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel in 2023 for these Bethel Colony Spring and Fall Markets... April 15-16 and September 30-October 1, 2023 ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans Antique Vendors Craftsmen Flea Market Tables Vintage Finds Home Decor Collectibles...

« Older Entries

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.