Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie series, holds a special place in American literary history. Her stories of pioneer life, based on her childhood experiences in the American Midwest, have captivated generations of readers with their tales of resilience, adventure, and family. But Wilder’s life is filled with lesser-known facts and fascinating details that add depth to her legacy. Here are over 10 interesting facts about Laura Ingalls Wilder, the woman whose work continues to inspire readers young and old.
1. Laura Ingalls Wilder Started Writing Her Books in Her Sixties
Though she’s famous for her Little House series, Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing her books until she was in her 60s. Her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 when Wilder was 65 years old. Her late start to writing didn’t prevent her from creating one of the most iconic children’s book series in American literature. Her books proved that it’s never too late to pursue a creative passion.
2. The Books Are Based on Her Real-Life Experiences
The Little House books are semi-autobiographical, inspired by Wilder’s childhood growing up in a pioneer family in the late 1800s. The series follows the Ingalls family as they move from Wisconsin to the plains of Kansas, then on to Minnesota, and eventually to South Dakota. Though the books are based on real events, Wilder took creative liberties, adjusting timelines and details to make the stories more cohesive and engaging.
3. She Was a Teacher at Age 15
Before she became an author, Wilder began working as a teacher at just 15 years old to help her family financially. Despite the challenging conditions of frontier teaching, she taught in one-room schoolhouses in South Dakota, often staying with local families while teaching. Her early experience as a teacher helped instill in her a deep appreciation for education, which she later emphasized in her books.
4. Wilder’s Daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, Was Also a Notable Writer
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, was a successful writer in her own right. Rose was a well-known journalist, novelist, and political activist, and she played a key role in helping her mother edit and publish the Little House books. Lane’s contributions as an editor and her understanding of the publishing world were instrumental in shaping Wilder’s writing career, though the extent of her influence on the series remains a topic of debate among scholars.
5. The Famous “Little House” Series Consists of Nine Books
The Little House series comprises nine books that follow Laura’s life from childhood to early adulthood. The series begins with Little House in the Big Woods, covering her early years in Wisconsin, and concludes with The First Four Years, which details Laura’s early married life with Almanzo Wilder. While most readers are familiar with the core books, Wilder’s earlier, lesser-known works, such as Pioneer Girl, offer additional insights into her life and experiences.
6. The Family Faced Real-Life Hardships
Wilder’s stories capture the hardships of pioneer life, but her real-life family endured even more challenges than what’s portrayed in the books. The Ingalls family faced harsh winters, crop failures, illness, and poverty. At one point, they experienced near-starvation during the Long Winter of 1880–1881 in South Dakota. The realities of pioneer life shaped Wilder’s perspective on resilience, survival, and the importance of family, themes that resonate strongly in her books.
7. She Advocated for Self-Sufficiency and Simplicity
The themes of self-sufficiency, hard work, and simplicity are deeply embedded in Wilder’s books. Laura and her husband Almanzo were farmers who lived off the land, and Wilder’s writing reflects the values of resourcefulness and frugality that she practiced throughout her life. These values are particularly relevant today as more people seek sustainable and simple living. Wilder’s stories offer timeless lessons on the rewards of a self-reliant lifestyle.
8. The Ingalls Family Moved More Than 10 Times
Over the course of her childhood, Laura’s family moved over ten times, often in search of better opportunities or to escape hardships. The Ingalls family’s travels took them across several states, including Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota. These frequent moves were a common reality for pioneer families, and Wilder’s books reflect both the excitement and challenges of a life on the move.
9. Laura and Almanzo Suffered Personal Tragedies
Laura Ingalls Wilder and her husband Almanzo Wilder experienced significant personal loss and hardship in their marriage. After they married in 1885, they faced a series of unfortunate events, including crop failures, the loss of their home to fire, and Almanzo’s paralysis due to illness. They also lost their newborn son, who died shortly after birth. These tragedies profoundly affected Wilder’s life and writing, infusing her stories with themes of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.
10. The Little House Books Were Almost Never Published
After writing her memoir Pioneer Girl in 1930, Wilder faced numerous rejections from publishers. Her initial manuscript, which was intended for an adult audience, was considered too dark and unappealing for the time. It was Rose who encouraged her to rework the stories into a series for children. With Rose’s guidance, Wilder adapted her stories, making them suitable for younger readers and finding success with her eventual publication of Little House in the Big Woods.
11. Her Work Became a Beloved Television Series
The popularity of Wilder’s books inspired the hit television show Little House on the Prairie, which aired from 1974 to 1983. Starring Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls and Melissa Gilbert as Laura, the show brought the story of the Ingalls family to a new generation of fans. While the TV series took liberties with the original books, it retained the spirit of family, faith, and resilience that Wilder’s stories are known for, cementing Laura Ingalls Wilder’s legacy in popular culture.
12. Laura’s Work Has Faced Modern Criticism
While Wilder’s books are cherished by many, they have also faced criticism for their portrayal of Indigenous people and racial stereotypes. Some scenes in the books reflect the prejudices of Wilder’s time, leading to debates on whether her works should be edited or contextualized. In 2018, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) renamed its Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, acknowledging the complexity of her legacy while recognizing her contributions to children’s literature.
13. Her Childhood Home Is a National Landmark
The Ingalls family’s “Little House” locations are popular historical sites, including the Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas, and the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota. Wilder’s home in Mansfield, Missouri, where she wrote the Little House series, is also a museum and designated National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the house and see Wilder’s original manuscripts, photographs, and family artifacts, offering a glimpse into her life and writing process.
14. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Legacy Continues to Inspire
More than 80 years after the publication of her first book, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories continue to inspire readers of all ages. The Little House books are still widely read in classrooms and homes, and Wilder’s portrayal of the pioneer spirit resonates with those who value resilience, family, and simplicity. In addition to the books, her life story has been the subject of biographies, documentaries, and academic studies, proving that her impact on American culture endures.
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life was filled with adventure, hardship, and an unbreakable determination that shines through in her work. Through her beloved Little House series, Wilder immortalized a way of life that is both nostalgic and instructive, capturing the spirit of the American frontier. Her books offer readers a window into a time of resilience and family strength, while her legacy encourages a closer look at America’s complex past. From her beginnings as a schoolteacher to her literary success in later life, Wilder’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to share your voice and inspire others.
