Isolated pockets in the US (horseback, land, friendly)

[hinher]

I hesitate to bring this up because it could easily turn into a bashing thread which is not my intention. I am interested in places that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are isolated from the rest of America. Place where the the people mind there own business and expect the rest of the world to do the same. I have recently discovered both Oniontown and Allentown, New York, which both are similar to what I'm interested in. I'm also familiar with try-racial isolate groups, some of which isolate themselves to varying extents. Lastly, Colorado City, Arizona seemed to do a good job of keeping the rest of the world out of their business for a number of years.


Are there any other examples or stories you guys would like to share?

[1greatcity]

I suppose in many ways, our Amish communities isolate themselves from the rest of the nation/world.

[fruitlassie]

Slab City

Hasidic Jews come to mind if you are looking for highly insular communities that are not necessarily isolated geographically.

Possibly the Jackson Whites/Ramapough Indians in New Jersey, but I don't know a lot about them.

I would imagine Appalachia has its fair share of isolated communities in the 'hollers' - not sure to what extent that could be called intentional though.

[argot]

I'm not sure if they "intentionally" isolate themselves, but considering they have their own accent, I'd say Tangier, VA fits the bill.

[hinher]

These have been some great examples guys. modified the topic to include places that were unintentionally isolated.

[ja1myn]

Yeah I heard Allentown, NY was pretty crazy.

[thefallensrvnge]

Outside of the KC metro, Kansas becomes very detached from current society (for better of for worse). The isolated nature of the state makes it a little scary for some travelers, but exciting for others. There are a lot of good people out there, a lot of ghost towns too. I used to venture down to Mt. Ida and find the Amish on horseback along the gravel roads. Very friendly people. The land gets especially beautiful along the Konza.

[creeksitter]

The area around Sneedville TN is known for the Melungeons. Once considered a mystery ethnicity, recent genetic tests indicate they are mixed ancestry (european/african) that may have fled the coasts early on to avoid repression.

That's beautiful, fallen. Hills in Kansas, Whoodathunk?

[chocisful]

I also believe those who speak "Gullah" from the remote islands off of S. Carolina would be considered an isolated pocket.

[cacto]

Just go to some small towns in the West.