The Shakers were once a thriving American utopia, but today only three members remain.
In short: Born from 18th-century English dissenters, the Shakers built a radical, celibate, and egalitarian society in America. They pioneered gender equality and communal living, yet their strict rejection of marriage and biological reproduction eventually led to a near-total disappearance. Today, only three individuals carry on this historic religious legacy.
The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, or Shakers, originated in 1747 from the Wardley Society in England. Led by Ann Lee—who followers believed was the second coming of Christ—the group emigrated to New York in 1774. By the mid-19th century, they had established 18 major communities across the United States, reaching a peak population of 2,000 to 4,000 adherents. Their society was defined by a radical commitment to pacifism, communal property, and strict celibacy, which they viewed as essential for living out the millennium on earth.
Central to their structure was a unique model of gender equality. Leadership was shared equally between men and women, known as elders and eldresses, and they were pioneers in admitting members regardless of race. In the southern United States, they even purchased the freedom of enslaved people. Their communities became famous for their craftsmanship, technological innovation, and distinctive furniture design, which remains highly regarded today. During the 'Era of Manifestations' in the mid-19th century, the group produced a wealth of spiritual songs and intricate 'gift drawings' that serve as vital artifacts of their history.
The decline of the Shakers began in the late 19th century as industrialization made their traditional, labor-intensive methods of production economically uncompetitive. Furthermore, federal laws restricting the adoption of children by religious groups severed a primary pipeline for new members. By 1920, only 12 communities remained. Today, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine is the sole active settlement. Despite the closure of their formal covenant to new members in 1957, the community continues to accept newcomers, and as of August 2025, the total number of active Shakers in the United States stands at three.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Shakers
- Also: Shaker | Ann Lee, History, Beliefs, Religious Practices, & Furniture | Britannica
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