Utopian communities based on a wide continuum of beliefs have existed throughout history. This list of late 19th century utopian communities was published in the Edison, Washington newspaper Industrial Freedom, April 8, 1899. These communities reflect a wide range of approaches to achieving the perfect life. The inspiration of these communities ranges from religious to socialist to communist. The inspiration for Rugby, Tennessee; Kaweah, California; Ruskin Colony, Tennessee; and Equality Colony, Washington begin with novels.
Industrial Freedom was the newspaper of the Equality Colony, founded in 1897 in Skagit County, Washington. Although, the Equality Colony started strong, it ultimately did not prove viable. As economic conditions in the United States improved, skilled workers moved from the colony for higher wages. By 1903, the Industrial Freedom had ceased publication, and the colony officially disbanded in 1907.
To learn more about the history of utopian communities, see Discovering Quacks, Utopias, and Cemeteries: Modern Lessons from Historical Themes
Courtesy of Library of Congress: Chronicling America