A significant, albeit controversial, utopian experiment of the antebellum period, this community practiced communalism, complex marriage, and male continence. It was founded in Oneida, New York, by John Humphrey Noyes in 1848. Its unique social and economic structure set it apart from other contemporary utopian societies.
This community is important for understanding the diverse reform movements that swept through the United States in the 19th century. It illustrates the radical approaches some groups took to address societal issues like property, gender roles, and family structure. Furthermore, its economic success through the manufacturing of silverware challenged prevailing norms and demonstrated the potential viability of communal living, though not without significant ethical and social criticisms. Its focus on eugenics and controlled breeding practices remains particularly contentious.
