Historically, when the first Amish arrived in the United States, they settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. As populations grew, settlements spread and there are now major settlements in Holmes and adjoining counties in northeast Ohio, and in Elkhart and nearby counties in northeastern Indiana. The forests that surround this communities are abundant with White and Red Oak, as well as Cherry, Maple, Hickory, and Black Walnut. Building on a tradition of self-sufficiency, the Amish took full advantage of the bounty of wood surrounding them to build their own furniture.