History Independence, California

the inyo county court house in independence

charles putnam founded trading post @ site in 1861. became known putnam s, , later little pine little pine creek.

independence began army camp independence (two miles north of current town) established lieutenant colonel george s. evans on july 4, 1862. col. evans established camp @ request of local settlers feared indian hostilities. camp closed, re-established fort independence when hostilities resumed in 1865. fort abandoned in 1877, , reservation fort independence indian community of paiute indians.

independence became seat of inyo county in 1866 when chief competitor honor, mining camp called kearsarge, disappeared under avalanche.

the first post office @ independence established in 1866.

museums

the eastern california museum extensive collections, exhibits, , programs; located @ 155 north grant street in independence.

the home of author mary austin, author of land of little rain , preserved museum located @ 235 market street in independence.

library

library director of inyo county free library nancy masters. library: 168 n edwards street, independence, ca 93526; central library in courthouse, ground floor.