Little House on the Prairie: The Cast and Behind the Scenes
A 20-Year Journey Pays Off
The Wilders moved to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894. They bought undeveloped land just outside town using some savings and called it Rocky Ridge Farm (Almanzo is pictured showing off his apple trees in the orchard). They made money by selling fire wood for 50 cents.
It took seven years for the apple trees they planted to bear fruit. Laura’s mother- and father-in-law helped pay off the house they were renting, which helped them considerably. They eventually owned 200 acres of land, sold their home in town, and moved onto the farm. It took them about 20 years to create their successful poultry, dairy, and fruit farm.
