-
Founding of New Religious Sect
Ann Lee "Mother Ann" founds the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, later known as the Shakers. To follow Christ's path, believers must practice celibacy. -
Emigration to America
Unwelcomed in England, Ann Lee and her husband come to America with followers, and settle in Albany, New York. -
Lee's Imprisonment
After Lee refuses to sign an oath of allegience, she is imprisoned due to her pacifistic views and treason. -
Shaker Building
First Shaker building built in Harvard, Massachusetts. -
Establishment
First Shaker comminuty is founded in New Lebanon, New York. Movement begins to travel westward and communities are based on communally owned property and known for industry. -
Utopia
Shakers reach height with an estimated 6,000 memebers in about 19 rural communities -
The Draft Law of 1863
Due to being pacifists, the Shakers refuse to fight in war, and are exempted from service by LIncoln. The Shakers are among the first in America to be granted the status of conscientios objectors. -
Disappearing
Church begins to find new converts because membership is decreasing, and losing popularity. Industrialization creates competition in production that Shakers can not keep up with. Many male memebers leave the community because of economic boom in the north. -
Extinction
Fewer than 12 Shakers remain in the two 200 year old villages that are left -
Antique
After the last of the Shaker communities had died out, their communities turned into museums and their furnishing is among mot highly prized of American craftsmanship.
