News & Events
Bethel Colony Market 2022 Dates Announced
Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel in 2022 for the NEW Bethel Colony Spring and Fall Markets... April 23-24 and October 1-2, 2022 ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans Antique Vendors Craftsmen Flea Market Tables Vintage Finds Home Decor Collectibles Furniture...
Missouri ArtSafe
HISTORIC BETHEL GERMAN COLONY COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN The purpose of this plan is to reassure artists, team members, and the public that we care about their health and safety. We will communicate with everyone involved in programs, as well as the entire community our...
Christmas in Bethel 2021
The colonists observed many "fete" days such as Easter, Christmas, New Years, harvest feasts, Independence Day and others with music, singing, dancing and visiting. On these occasions tables were loaded with all the good things the German kitchen and cellar could...
Our History
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.
