Independence is a census-designated place in Inyo County, California. Independence is located 41 miles (66Â km) south-southeast of Bishop, at an elevation of 3930 feet (1198 m). It is the county seat of Inyo County, California. The population of this census-designated place was 669 at the 2010 census, up from 574 at the 2000 census.
Geography
The tiny village of Independence is bisected by U.S. Route 395, the main north-south highway through the Owens Valley.
The Sierra Nevada mountains to the west lie within the John Muir Wilderness Area. Onion Valley, one of the principal entry routes to the John Muir Wilderness, is accessed via the Onion Valley road which heads directly west out of Independence. This trail takes hikers to Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks which protect the Sierra Nevada west of the divide between the Owens Valley on the east and the rivers which drain into the San Joaquin Valley to the west.
Independence is a popular resupply location for hikers trekking the 2,650 mile long Pacific Crest Trail which extends from the Mexican border to Canada along the crest of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges. The highest pass along the entire trail, 13,153 foot (4009 m) Forester Pass, is directly west of Independence.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Independence covers an area of 4.9 square miles (13Â km2), over 99% of it land.
The elevation of Independence is 3,925 feet (1,196Â m) above sea level.
Climate
Independence, as well as most of the Owens Valley, has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. January temperatures range from an average high of 54.0 °F to an average low of 27.4 °F. July temperatures range from an average high of 97.6 °F to an average low of 63.9 °F. The highest recorded temperature was 114 °F (46 °C) on July 7, 1989. The lowest recorded temperature was âˆ'5 °F (âˆ'21 °C) on January 9, 1937. There are an average of 97.7 days annually with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 88.1 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. Annual precipitation averages only 5.82 inches. The most precipitation in one month was 23.90 inches in February 1904. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 5.72 inches on December 6, 1966. Snowfall varies greatly from year to year, averaging only 5.2 inches. The most snow in one month was 112.0 inches in February 1904.
History
Charles Putnam founded a trading post at the site in 1861. It became known as Putnam's, and later Little Pine from the Little Pine Creek.
Independence began as the US Army Camp Independence (two miles north of the current town) established by Lieutenant Colonel George S. Evans on July 4, 1862. Col. Evans established the camp at the request of local settlers who feared Indian hostilities. The camp was soon closed, but was re-established as Fort Independence when hostilities resumed in 1865. The fort was finally abandoned in 1877, and it is currently a reservation for the Fort Independence Indian Community of Paiute Indians.
Independence became the seat of Inyo County in 1866 when its chief competitor for the honor, a mining camp called Kearsarge, disappeared under an avalanche.
The first post office at Independence was established in 1866.
Museums
The Eastern California Museum with extensive collections, exhibits, and programs; is located at 155 North Grant Street in Independence.
The home of author Mary Austin, the author of "The Land of Little Rain", is preserved as a museum located at 235 Market Street in Independence.
Library
Library director of Inyo County Free Library is Nancy Masters. Library: 168 N Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526; central library is in the courthouse, ground floor.
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Independence had a population of 669. The population density was 137.4 people per square mile (53.0/km²). The racial makeup of Independence was 493 (73.7%) White, 6 (0.9%) African American, 98 (14.6%) Native American, 8 (1.2%) Asian, 1 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 28 (4.2%) from other races, and 35 (5.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 93 persons (13.9%).
The Census reported that 603 people (90.1% of the population) lived in households, 8 (1.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 58 (8.7%) were institutionalized.
There were 301 households, out of which 57 (18.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 131 (43.5%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 20 (6.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 8 (2.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 13 (4.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 3 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 122 households (40.5%) were made up of individuals and 47 (15.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00. There were 159 families (52.8% of all households); the average family size was 2.70.
The population was spread out with 100 people (14.9%) under the age of 18, 54 people (8.1%) aged 18 to 24, 117 people (17.5%) aged 25 to 44, 259 people (38.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 139 people (20.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.1 years. For every 100 females there were 105.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.2 males.
There were 389 housing units at an average density of 79.9 per square mile (30.8/km²), of which 210 (69.8%) were owner-occupied, and 91 (30.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.1%. 410 people (61.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 193 people (28.8%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 574 people, 272 households, and 161 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 143.6 people per square mile (55.4/km²). There were 342 housing units at an average density of 85.6 per square mile (33.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.9% White, 3.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.9% Pacific Islander, 3.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. 7.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 272 households out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.72.
In the CDP, the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 20.9% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $45,781. Males had a median income of $41,736 versus $29,688 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,535. About 4.2% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
In the state legislature, Independence is in the 8th Senate District, represented by Republican Tom Berryhill, and the 26th Assembly District, represented by Republican Devon Mathis.
Federally, Independence is in California's 8th congressional district, represented by Republican Paul Cook.
Community events
Independence Day is the biggest event of the year in Independence. Celebrations traditionally begin on the evening of July 3 with a concert at Dehy Park while the fire for the deep-pit BBQ is prepared. The Independence Day events include a 4k run/walk, breakfast at Dehy Park, a parade along Highway 395, an arts & crafts show at the courthouse, "olde tyme" kids games, pie & ice cream social and BBQ at Dehy Park, concluding with a fireworks display at the airport.
The annual December Fruitcake Festival, inaugurated in 2004, is another popular event that draws many visitors.
Film
Independence was the film location for the film Trial and Error. Daft Punk filmed many of their scenes from the 2006 movie Daft Punk's Electroma in the town.
See also
- Carson and Colorado Railway
- Roadside Heritage - of the Eastern Sierra
- Owens Valley
- Manzanar
- Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery
Notes
References
External links
- Official Eastern California Museum website
- Friends of the Eastern California Museum website
- Attractions in and near Independence
- Annual Community Events in Independence
- Independence Chamber of Commerce Web Site