Rutland Township in Independence in Montgomery County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Barn
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Barn Quilt
| — | Little House on the Prairie Museum | — |
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023
1. Barn Marker
Bert Horton purchased this property in 1923, twelve years before Laura Ingalls Wilder published her classic, Little House on the Prairie. The barn was needed to store hay bales that fed livestock through the winter. Bert built seven barns through the years, always putting his signature cupola and weather vane, a horse, on top. After restoration, we dedicated it to Bert’s great grandson, Scott Erik Kurtis, who passed away in 2009. Scott is the son of current owner, journalist Bill Kurtis.
Barn Quilt
The pattern hanging on the barn is the same pattern Laura used for her hope chest, called Doves in the Window. After Almanzo finished building their first home, he and Laura got married. He surprised her by bringing her hope chest. He also put her quilt on their bed, which was waiting for her when he brought her home for the first time after their wedding.
Erected by Little House on the Prairie Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Arts, Letters, Music • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 37° 7.493′ N, 95° 50.171′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Historic Farmhouse and Gift Shop (here, next to this marker); Childhood Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Birthplace of Carrie Ingalls (within shouting distance of this marker); Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Ingalls Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Wayside, Kansas Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Sunnyside School
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023
2. Barn / Barn Quilt Marker
The barn quilt can be seen on the front of the barn on the museum campus.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Little House On The Prairie (was approx. 1.4 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
