The Journey West to Indian Territory

This flow traces the Ingalls family's overland passage from Wisconsin through the Mississippi Valley and into the Kansas prairie, ending with their first sight of the High Prairie.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Leaving Wisconsin Behind

Leaving Wisconsin Behind Scene Charles Ingalls sells the little house in Wisconsin, loads the family's belongings into the covered wagon, and drives east toward the Mississippi River. Mary Ingalls, Laura Ingalls, and Baby Carrie Ingalls leave their grandparents and the only home they have known. Meaning The departure establishes the family's commitment to the West. Pa's belief that Wisconsin has become too crowded gives the journey its motive. Aftermath The empty house stands behind them, and the wagon becomes the family's temporary home as the long miles begin.

Crossing the Mississippi on Ice

Crossing the Mississippi on Ice Scene The family reaches the wide Mississippi River before the ice breaks, and the horses pull the covered wagon across the frozen surface. Pa urges the animals forward while the girls hold their breath. Meaning This crossing marks the true boundary between the settled East and the promised West. It is the first great natural obstacle the family must conquer. Aftermath Once across, the journey continues through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri, with the Mississippi behind them as a landmark of beginning.

Trading for Pet and Patty

Trading for Pet and Patty Scene Pa trades the tired brown horses for two young black horses with gentle eyes and long tails. Laura Ingalls and Mary Ingalls are invited to name them, and they choose Pet and Patty. Meaning The horses become partners in the family's survival. Naming them gives the girls a personal stake in the animals' care. Aftermath Pet and Patty pull the wagon across the endless Kansas grass and later help Pa plough the prairie soil.

The Flooded Creek Crossing

The Flooded Creek Crossing Scene The wagon slides into a rising creek, and the swift water lifts it off the riverbed. Pa jumps into the water to guide the horses while Ma takes the reins, and Laura watches her father's head bobbing beside Pet and Patty. Meaning The crossing nearly destroys the family and proves how fragile their enterprise really is. It also shows the Ingalls pattern of calm obedience in the face of danger. Aftermath The wagon reaches the far bank safely, but Jack has disappeared. The family camps without the dog, only to hear wolves howl in the darkness.

Arriving at the High Prairie

Arriving at the High Prairie Scene The wagon leaves the last wagon road and rolls through grass that reaches to the edge of the sky. Pa stops near a creek and announces, 'Here we are, Caroline! We'll build our house right here.' Meaning The High Prairie becomes the fulfillment of Pa's western dream. Its openness and solitude match his desire for a country where animals and people can live freely. Aftermath The family unloads the wagon, covers their goods with canvas, and prepares to build the little house that will anchor their first year in Indian Territory.

before dawn, at the very start of the journey

late winter, early in the westward trip

somewhere along the road, after crossing several rivers

near the end of the journey, just before Indian Territory

the morning after the creek crossing, when the road disappears