The Pioneer Spirit

Because Pa feels that the Big Woods in Wisconsin are becoming too crowded, he moves his family west to Indian territory. One common component of the American dream involves taking risks to achieve such success in life. Pa takes the risk because, though the Indian territory is not yet open to white settlers, he believes it will be soon. By being among the first settlers in the territory and exhibiting pioneer spirit, he puts himself and his family in position to have claim on the best land when the federal government opens it to settlement.

Living in Indian territory is not easy, as the Ingalls family finds out during the time they are there taking the risk. Some of the Native Americans in the area resent the presence of the white settlers. They come into the house and demand or steal food and supplies. At the...