When Did The Ingalls Move To Kansas

So, there I was, munching on my toast the other morning, when I happened to glance at the old family photo album. You know the one, it's been passed down through generations, filled with black and white snapshots of folks we barely recognize anymore. But one thing caught my eye - a picture of the Ingalls family, all smiles and bonnets, standing in front of a house that looked nothing like the little house on the prairie. I mean, it had walls and a roof, sure, but it was clearly not the humble abode we'd seen in the TV show.

Now, I'm no Little House expert, but I knew something was up. So, I decided to do a little digging. Turns out, the Ingalls family didn't just up and move to Kansas one sunny day. No, no, it was a bit more of a journey than that. Let's rewind, shall we?

Wisconsin, Here They Come

It all started in the late 1860s when Pa Ingalls, Charles, decided it was high time the family moved west. You see, he'd heard tales of rich, fertile land in Kansas, just waiting for the taking. So, they packed up their belongings, said goodbye to their little house in Wisconsin, and set off on the Oregon Trail. But hold your horses, because they didn't quite make it to Kansas just yet.

First stop? Independence, Kansas. That's right, not the Kansas we know from the TV show. This was back in 1867, remember. The family spent a couple of years here, living in a dugout, which is basically a house built into the side of a hill. Fancy, huh?

Finally, the Big Move

Now, here's where things get interesting. In 1869, Pa Ingalls decided to move the family again. This time, they headed to Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Yes, you read that right. Minnesota, not Kansas. But don't worry, they'd eventually make it to Kansas. Just not yet.

So, why the change of plans? Well, Pa had heard about some prime farmland up in Minnesota. Plus, there was talk of a new railroad line being built, which could mean more opportunities for work. So, off they went, leaving Kansas behind (for now).

And Then, the Circle Was Complete

Alright, so here's where we finally get to the Kansas we know and love from the TV show. In 1874, the Ingalls family packed their bags again and headed to De Smet, Dakota Territory (which would later become part of South Dakota). But wait, you might be thinking, what about Kansas?

Well, it turns out, Pa Ingalls had some unfinished business in Kansas. He'd left some land claims behind when they moved to Minnesota, and he wanted to make sure everything was in order. So, in 1879, he took a little trip back to Kansas, all by himself. And that, my friends, is how the Ingalls family finally made it to Kansas - sort of.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what about the little house on the prairie? When did that happen?" Well, that's a story for another time. But for now, I hope this little journey through the Ingalls family's moves has been as enlightening for you as it was for me. Who knew they were such frequent flyers, huh?