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Mother Ann Lee's Arrival
In this year Mother Ann Lee made the decision to go to America with 8 others. This group of converts arrived in this same year on the boat Mariah on the New York Harbor. -
Mother Ann Lee's Death
Mother Ann Lee passes away and in replacement, Father James Whittaker takes over leadership who was one of her early English disciples. -
The First Shaker Building
The first Shaker building is built in Harvard, Massachusetts. -
Father James Whittaker's Death
Father James dies. In this same year, Elder Joseph Meacham is the first American-baorn leader.
(exact date unkown) -
First Shaker Community
The first Shaker community is founded in New Lebanon, New York.
(exact date unknown) -
Their First Flawless Building
In Pleasantville, Kentucky the Shakers build their first flawless building in a new material – limestone. -
Period: to
Shaker Population at its Peak
The Shaker Population was at its highest peak in the mid 19th century with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Shakers.
(Exact Date uncertain) -
Shakers are granted the status of conscientious objectors against the Draft Law of 1863
The Draft Law of 1863 is enacted during the Civil War. Because they are pacifists, the Shakers refuse to fight. An elder traveled to Washington to plead with Lincoln. Lincoln grants the Shakers an exemption from service. The Shakers are among the first in America to be granted the status of conscientious objectors. -
Period: to
Shaker Communities Decrease
Many Shaker communities begin to fold, one by one.
(exact Date Uncertain)
