The Amish Buggy

The most obvious symbol of the Amish is their horse-drawn buggy. Buggies come in many styles and colors, reflecting the preferences of the various communities. As illustrated on this page, the traditional black buggy is not as traditional as Englishers may think. Various types of buggies can be equated to Englishers cars and trucks. The market wagon, which has a rear panel that lifts, is closest to the station wagon. The spring wagon, or cab wagon, is the equivalent of the pickup truck.

In Lancaster County, buggies with gray tops belong to the Amish and all black buggies signify Old Order Mennonites. Other differences can be found in buggies based on the degree of conservatism of the individual church district leaders. Such differences can include windows, window wipers, battery powered head-, tail- and directional lights, rubber or steel-rim wheels, etc.

One concession to modern civilization has been forced upon the Amish buggy. After numerous accidents at night involving fast moving cars and slow moving black buggies, the Amish have added reflective tape to the back of their buggies. Less conservative groups have added battery-powered lights and installed slow-moving vehicle triangles.

Even so, some groups have refused to “adorn” their vehicle with these “loud” or “fancy” implements. In Harmony, Minnesota, the issue divided the Amish community and resulted in a State Supreme Court ruling in favor of those who had resisted their use.