In 1884, when Laura, Manly, and their daughter Rose come from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, looking for a better life, Laura's outspoken articles against a local timberman cause some problems.

## Homesteading in Missouri Your Ultimate Guide to Self-Sufficiency Unlock the secrets of a thriving, self-sufficient lifestyle with "Homesteading in Missouri." Dive deep into everything you need to know about starting and sustaining your Missouri homestead. This comprehensive guide is meticulously crafted to help you turn your dream of a self-sufficient life into reality, from the very first steps to advanced homesteading techniques. ### Discover Why Missouri Shines for Homesteading Explore the unique advantages Missouri offers for homesteaders, from its fertile soil to the supportive legal framework. Gain a clear understanding of self-sufficiency and the crucial legal considerations and regulations that will guide your journey. ### Lay the Groundwork for Your Homestead Learn how to select the perfect site and plan your homestead layout. Budget effectively, and set up essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sewage systems with confidence. ### Grow Your Own Organic Produce Transform your land into a lush, productive garden. Understand Missouri soil types, plan your garden layout, and select the best seeds. Follow a detailed seasonal planting guide to ensure a bountiful harvest year-round. ### Raise and Care for Livestock and Poultry Master the essentials of livestock care, from selecting suitable animals to managing pastures. Build robust coops and runs for your poultry, and ensure their health with expert care tips. ### Produce Your Own Dairy and Meat Navigate the intricacies of raising dairy goats and cows, and discover the best practices for meat production. Learn butchering and processing techniques to maintain a sustainable food supply. ### Embrace Sustainable Practices Adopt eco-friendly methods such as composting, water conservation, and renewable energy. Enhance soil fertility and maximize your resources for long-term sustainability. ### Preserve and Forage Extend the life of your harvest through canning, jarring, freezing, and dehydrating. Forage sustainably and identify edible wild plants to supplement your diet. ### Craft Your Own Products and Hone Essential Skills Create homemade dairy products, natural cleaning supplies, and handcrafted items. Develop skills in carpentry, blacksmithing, and textile care to bolster your self-sufficiency. ### Build a Thriving Community Connect with other homesteaders, engage in barter and trade systems, and support local agriculture through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives. ### Family Involvement and Health Incorporate homeschooling into your homestead, teaching practical skills and fostering independence in children. Embrace natural health remedies and prepare for emergencies with holistic wellness practices. ### Financial Independence Manage your homestead finances, explore multiple revenue streams, and navigate the tax considerations specific to homesteaders. Embark on your journey to self-reliance with "Homesteading in Missouri." This guide is your gateway to a fulfilling, sustainable lifestyle, providing the knowledge and tools you need to thrive. Start your homesteading adventure today!

It's 1884, and after devastating losses in South Dakota, Laura, Manly, and little Rose head East to Mansfield, Missouri, in search of a new beginning.

The Shepherd of the Hills is the classic story of the stranger who takes the Old Trail deep into the Ozark Mountains, many miles from civilization. His appearance signals intellect and culture, yet his countenance is marked by grief and disappointment. What is his purpose in taking on the lowly work of tending local sheep? And how is it that he befriends these simple hill folk, despite his coming from the world beyond the ridges? Mystery and romance envelop this gentle yet compelling story as the identity and purpose of the stranger-turned-shepherd is gradually unveiled.

Drawing on newly uncovered archives, The Only Wonderful Things offers a groundbreaking look at American novelist Willa Cather's creative process by arguing that the writer's life partner, magazine editor Edith Lewis, had a crucial impact on Cather's literary work.

"Homesteading the Plains offers a bold new look at the history of homesteading, overturning what for decades has been the orthodox scholarly view. The authors begin by noting the striking disparity between the public's perception of homesteading as a cherished part of our national narrative and most scholars' harshly negative and dismissive treatment. Homesteading the Plains reexamines old data and draws from newly available digitized records to reassess the current interpretation's four principal tenets: homesteading was a minor factor in farm formation, with most Western farmers purchasing their land; most homesteaders failed to prove up their claims; the homesteading process was rife with corruption and fraud; and homesteading caused Indian land dispossession. Using data instead of anecdotes and focusing mainly on the nineteenth century, Homesteading the Plainsdemonstrates that the first three tenets are wrong and the fourth only partially true. In short, the public's perception of homesteading is perhaps more accurate than the one scholars have constructed. Homesteading the Plainsprovides the basis for an understanding of homesteading that is startlingly different from current scholarly orthodoxy. "--