A small, secluded community in the Ozarks of Arkansas, home to about 40 residents, is selectively vetting new members to preserve what its founder describes as a traditional European identity. The settlement, established by Eric Orwoll's "Return to the Land" association, requires applicants to be of full European ancestry, reject homosexuality, and embrace specific values.
Orwoll, who leads the private white-separatist membership association with over a thousand members, states that the community is focused on "preserving" European identity rather than promoting white supremacy. He asserts that the movement advocates for tolerance, free association, and self-determination. However, online channels associated with the organization have featured content that denies the Holocaust, discusses "Jewish infiltration," and downplays the impact of racial segregation.
Membership and Ideology
To join "Return to the Land," individuals complete a questionnaire and undergo a 15-minute phone interview. During this interview, candidates are questioned about their views on same-sex marriage, gender identity, vaccines, and abortion. Orwoll also emphasizes values, citing an interest in the Roman Empire as an example of shared European heritage.
While Orwoll maintains that the group is open to individuals with white supremacist views, they reject those with "non-traditional" religious outlooks, such as "militant atheists." Applicants are voted on by the association's board. Accepted members join online discussion groups and attend national events.
Among the prominent figures within the organization is Peter Csere, a close associate of Orwoll. Csere has reportedly posted the number "1488" on public Telegram channels, a symbol linked to white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology. Orwoll himself has been quoted discussing the prospect of a "second Hitler" and has praised former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. He is also connected to other far-right influencers like Nick Fuentes.
Education and Historical Narratives
The community's philosophy extends to the education of its approximately 40 homeschooled children. Orwoll describes the curriculum as "even-handed," teaching subjects like the Holocaust, slavery, and segregation. He suggests that public education presents a one-sided view of European history, focusing on perceived sins. Orwoll claims the death toll of the Holocaust has been "exaggerated" and that historical records lack evidence of a directed extermination campaign. He has also stated that the Nazis had "redeeming qualities."
When discussing American slavery, Orwoll intends to cover its wrongs alongside the Barbary slave trade. Regarding segregation, he plans to explain that the U.S. was founded as a white country and that "separate-but-equal" was an attempt to reorganize society after slavery, though he acknowledges it became coercive. He also criticizes subsequent integrationist policies.
Community Values and Criticisms
"Return to the Land" discourages interracial marriages, citing data suggesting they have "worse outcomes" and are more likely to result in single-parent households. The movement also rejects what Orwoll terms a "homosexual lifestyle," believing it leads to negative life outcomes.
Critics, such as Tess Ulrey, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, have expressed concern that such insular educational environments can uphold white supremacy, promote pseudoscience, and limit children's exposure to different viewpoints, potentially violating their rights.
Orwoll's past also contrasts with his current emphasis on "traditional values." The Daily Mail previously reported that he participated in live webcam sex shows and that his former wife, Caitlyn Smith, was his online porn partner. Smith continues to reside in the Arkansas settlement, where the community endeavors to shield children from LGBTQ lifestyles.
Legal and Future Plans
The organization faces a legal challenge from Michelle Walker, who alleges discrimination based on race and religion after being denied the opportunity to purchase land. Orwoll views this lawsuit as an attempt to make the community homeless, arguing they are being portrayed as villains for seeking a culturally comfortable neighborhood.
Despite condemnation, Orwoll claims the movement is growing and plans to establish more separatist communities across the United States. He advocates for the right of all groups to form voluntary communities and uphold their values without harassment, drawing parallels to existing ethnic and cultural communities.