Rose Wilder Lane

Born in 1887 in De Smet, South Dakota, Rose Wilder Lane was the only child of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder. She grew up in the world that later inspired the Little House books, but her own path led far beyond the prairie.

Lane became a successful newspaper and magazine writer, publishing fiction, journalism, travel writing, and political commentary. She is also closely linked with the Little House series: while the exact shape of her contribution is still discussed, scholars widely note that she helped edit and shape the books that made her mother famous.

Later in life, Lane became an influential advocate of individual liberty and limited government, especially through works such as The Discovery of Freedom. Today she is remembered both for her connection to one of America's best-loved literary families and for the independent voice she established in her own writing.