Map of Independence CDP, California

Independence is a census-designated place in Inyo County, California. Independence is located 41 miles (66 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.

Independence CDP overview:
Name:	Independence CDP
LSAD Code:	57
LSAD Description:	CDP (suffix)
State:	California
County:	Inyo County
Elevation:	3,930 ft (1,198 m)
Total Area:	4.870 sq mi (12.612 km²)
Land Area:	4.867 sq mi (12.605 km²)
Water Area:	0.003 sq mi (0.007 km²) 0.057%
Total Population:	669
Population Density:	140/sq mi (53/km²)
ZIP code:	93526
FIPS code:	0636350
GNISfeature ID:	1658811

Online Interactive Map

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Independence online map. Source: Basemap layers from Google Map, Open Street Map (OSM), Arcgisonline, Wmflabs. Boundary Data from Database of Global Administrative Areas.

Independence location map. Where is Independence CDP?

Independence location on the U.S. Map. Where is Independence CDP. — Independence location on the U.S. Map.

Independence location on the California map. Where is Independence CDP. — Location of Independence in California.

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. The site of Putnam’s Cabin, across the street from the Inyo County Courthouse, is a California Historical Landmark # 223.

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. Colonel Evans established the camp at the request of local settlers who feared hostilities from the local indigenous tribes. 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.

United States Army General John K. Singlaub (1921 – 2022) was born in Independence.

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

The Inyo County Free Library is in the Inyo County Courthouse.

Independence Road Map

Independence city Satellite Map

Geography

The small town 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 (13 km), over 99% of it land.

The elevation of Independence is 3,925 feet (1,196 m) above sea level.