Independence

Independence, Kansas, embodies quintessential Americana with its rich tapestry of local history and culture. The town honors native playwright William Inge through an annual theatre festival and celebrates its literary heritage linked to the Little House on the Prairie series. It boasts significant baseball milestones, including the site of the first night game and connections to legends like Mickey Mantle. Independence also celebrates notable figures such as Martin Johnson and Harry Sinclair, and hosts the unique Neewollah festival, showcasing its vibrant community spirit.