Independence, Kansas in the Past

Independence, Kansas in the Past

Independence, Kansas holds a special place in the history of the Ingalls family, as it marked their first journey westward in search of a new life. In the late 1860s, when Charles Ingalls and his family arrived in the area, it was inhabited by only a handful of homesteaders and the Osage Native Americans. Between 1869 and 1870, the Ingalls family established their home in this sparsely populated region, and it was here that Carrie Ingalls was born.

The experiences of the Ingalls family in Independence, Kansas formed the basis for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s most popular and successful book, “Little House on the Prairie.” This iconic novel offers readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs the family faced as they built their lives in a new, untamed territory.

Despite their efforts to create a permanent home in Independence, the Ingalls family’s time there was short-lived. It remains unclear whether Pa ever filed a formal land claim for their homestead, but ultimately, the family was compelled to leave behind their log house with its cherished glass windows.

The reason behind their forced departure was a change in government policy. It was determined that the land the Ingalls family had settled on was part of the Osage Native American reservation, and as such, it was not legally open for homesteading by non-Native settlers. As a result, the Ingalls family, along with other homesteaders in the area, were required to relinquish their claims and leave their newfound homes.

Contrary to the narrative presented in the “Little House” books, the Ingalls family did not immediately move to Walnut Grove, Minnesota after leaving Independence. Instead, they returned to their original home in Pepin, Wisconsin, to the Little House in the Big Woods.

Independence, Kansas represents a pivotal chapter in the Ingalls family’s story, as it marked their first foray into the challenges and adventures of life on the frontier. Though their time in Independence was brief, the experiences they had there had a lasting impact on Laura Ingalls Wilder and her writing, ensuring that this small Kansas town will forever hold a significant place in the hearts of “Little House” fans.