historicbethel.org | Historical Bethel German Colony

News & Events

Bethel Colony Fall Market

Aug 13, 2023

Join us in Historic Downtown Bethel for the Bethel Colony Fall Market... September 30-October 1, 2023. ____________________ Admission $2 Artisans • Antiques • Craftsmen • Flea Market Tables • Vintage Finds • Home Decor • Collectibles • Furniture and more...plus...Food...

Wildlife & Outdoor Expo August 2023

Jul 23, 2023

The 2023 Wildlife & Outdoor Expo (sponsored by Historic Bethel German Colony) will highlight a variety of educational seminars, exhibitors and vendors showcasing such items as hunting products and accessories, equipment, and outdoor related crafts for...

Heritage Day 2023

Jul 1, 2023

Heritage Day September 29, 2023 One of the things that stands out in the history of Bethel is the rich heritage of skilled artisans who were part of founding this community. Bricklayers, bakers, builders, weavers, blacksmiths, brewers, seamstresses and glove makers,...

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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.