Little House on the Prairie History

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books have captured the imaginations and hearts of multiple generations. This History section showcases Wilder's evolving legacy across multiple subjects and audiences. You’ll find a range of information focused on her work, life, and family. Browse the articles below or click here for a complete index.

Almanzo Wilder: A “Very Special” Perfect Young Man

I met my first book crush when I was seven. He was handsome and courageous, driving Laura home every week from the depressing (and dangerous) Brewster’s house. He was quiet, but when he did speak, he always said the perfect thing. Almanzo Wilder was the multi-talented farmer boy who could brave a raging blizzard to save…

In Search of Laura – About Laura Ingalls Wilder

Who is the real Laura Ingalls? Is she the smart, strong, and resourceful fictional character of the Little House books? Or is she the more mature and somewhat worldly Laura Ingalls of Pioneer Girl? Or perhaps she’s the character that actress Melissa Gilbert created in the “Little House on the Prairie” television series. And what about…

Laura Ingalls Wilder: An American Fixture

In 1942, literary agent George Bye received the final manuscript from a client he had reluctantly decided to represent twelve years earlier, an author whose first work, a memoir for adults, had left him uninspired. But she had found her voice as a children’s book writer, and Bye felt deeply moved and stirred by her…

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historical Timeline

Ever wonder about the chronology of events in Laura’s life and the historical context surrounding her experiences? The two timelines below weave some of her major life events with interesting historical milestones in literature, politics, science, and technology. Interactive Timeline Below is the interactive timeline, which allows you to view relevant photography and videos alongside…

Historical Perspective or Racism in Little House on the Prairie?

Imagine you are reading a book that you loved as a child, perhaps you are reading it to your young child, or that you are reading it for the very first time. You come across the words “the only good Indian was a dead Indian.” Do you put the book down in horror, shocked by…

About The Ingalls Family

Thanks to the cozy, warm, and affectionate portrayal of the Ingalls family across all kinds of media platforms around the world, many people think of Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace, Almanzo, and even Jack the bulldog as part of their family. However, that raises the question of what version of the Ingalls family people…