Rutland Township in Independence in Montgomery County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Wayside, Kansas Post Office

— Little House on the Prairie Museum —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023

1. Wayside, Kansas Post Office Marker

Inscription. The historic Wayside, Kansas Post Office was moved to this site in 1978, after it was officially closed by the United States postmaster in 1977. The original location was less than a mile from here in the town of Wayside. The postal history of Wayside dates back to 1887, when the growing town was established due to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The first mail service was delivered to the post office by horseback or wagon from Independence. The original names of the Wayside citizens are still visible on the post office boxes. These same family names now reside at Harrisonville Cemetery, located a half mile east of the museum.

“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with the simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Erected by Little House on the Prairie Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 37° 7.49′ N, 95° 50.224′ W. Marker is in Independence, Kansas, in Montgomery County. It is

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in Rutland Township. It is on Laura Ingalls Wilder Road east of Montgomery County Road 2500, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2507 Cr 3000, Independence KS 67301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Sunnyside School (a few steps from this marker); Ingalls Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Childhood Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Birthplace of Carrie Ingalls (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Farmhouse and Gift Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Barn / Barn Quilt (within shouting distance of this marker); Richard Colbert Mason

Wayside, Kansas Post Office image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023

2. Wayside, Kansas Post Office

The post office was brought to the campus of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum to depict life on the prairie.

(approx. 9 miles away); Captain Richard C. Mason (approx. 9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

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 11, 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.