Writer: B.W. Sandefur

Director: Michael Landon

In “Gold Country,” a two-part episode of Little House on the Prairie, relentless rain devastates the crops in Walnut Grove, prompting Charles Ingalls and Isaiah Edwards to seek fortune in a gold rush 400 miles away in Deadwood. Facing economic hardship, they convince their families to join the perilous journey. Upon arrival, they encounter inflated prices, scarce claims, and a rough town, eventually moving to Newton, 50 miles west. Initial optimism fades as they struggle to find gold, and tensions rise with dangerous prospectors. Tragedy strikes when Mr. Delano is killed over his gold, and Mr. Griffin desecrates a grave for riches, shaking the community. Disillusioned, Charles reflects in a heartfelt church speech, choosing family over wealth. The Ingalls and Edwards families abandon the gold chase, returning home with renewed values, passing hopeful newcomers on their way.

5 Best Quotes

Charles: “There’s nothing in the world that makes a man feel so bad as knowing there’s just nothing he can do.”

This captures Charles’ frustration and helplessness amid the rain-ruined crops, driving his decision to seek gold.

Caroline: “Charles Ingalls, if you think I’m going to put up with having you underfoot around here for the next 6 months, you’ve got another thing coming.”

A tender yet firm nudge from Caroline, showing her support for Charles’ risky venture with love and humor.

Isaiah: “I did this so we could get some flour or some bacon.”

Isaiah’s justification after gambling reflects his desperate intent to provide, despite Grace’s skepticism.

Charles: “I asked God to give me the strength to forget about it, to turn my back on it… and to let me take my family home.”

In his church speech, Charles reveals his epiphany, prioritizing family over the fleeting promise of gold.

Laura: “Ask him to please forgive me.”

Laura’s plea to Charles about Mr. Zachariah underscores her guilt and innocence after unintentionally causing harm.

5 Trivia Questions

Question: What natural disaster forces Charles and Isaiah to consider leaving Walnut Grove?

Answer: Relentless rain that destroys the crops.

Question: How far is the gold rush location from Walnut Grove, as mentioned by Charles?

Answer: 400 miles.

Question: What item does Charles request at Nels’ store that they are out of?

Answer: Baking soda.

Question: What tragic event involving Mr. Delano shifts the tone of the episode?

Answer: He is killed by prospectors seeking his gold.

Question: What does Charles ultimately decide to do after his church speech?

Answer: Take his family back home to Walnut Grove.

 

 

The opening song “Albert” is written and performed by the amazing Norwegian band, Project Brundlefly and is used with permission.

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrundlefly

The post Gold Country first appeared on The Little House on the Prairie Podcast: Walnut GroveCast.