They are planning to build a new railroad station and they want to do it in Walnut Grove. Everyone is excited at the prospect until they find out that some families would be evicted.They are planning to build a new railroad station and they want to do it in Walnut Grove. Everyone is excited at the prospect until they find out that some families would be evicted.They are planning to build a new railroad station and they want to do it in Walnut Grove. Everyone is excited at the prospect until they find out that some families would be evicted.
Leroy Sweet
- Collins
- (as LeRoy Sweet)
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Did you know
- TriviaThe first railroad through Walnut Grove was the Winona-Tracy branch of the Winona & St. Peter (later Chicago and Northwestern), completed in June 1872. The tracks crossed the southern portion of Redwood County, through Charleston, Lamberton, North Hero, and Springdale townships; a depot was built in Walnut Grove. Beginning in April 1873, regular rail service was offered between New Ulm and Tracy, with an engine, baggage car, coach, and up to 25 freight cars. In 1879, the railroad was extended westward into Dakota Territory, and regular train service to Balaton, Minnesota, began in September 1879, only days after Caroline Ingalls and daughters took the train to Tracy to join Charles Ingalls, prior to moving west to Dakota Territory.
- GoofsWhen Mr. Edwards and Almanzo pull the horse rig over the train tracks in the beginning they jump off the rig and talk to the train attendant. When they go back to watch the Presidents train the rig is gone from the tracks.
Featured review
Eminent Domain
The final season of "Little House on the Prairie" was definite proof that it's better to pull the plug on an episodic television series too early than to drag a series out and have it end up not being remembered for as great a series as it should have been if it had quit while it was ahead. Is it better to quit too early, too late, or the right time? Like the old saying goes in entertainment, too soon is the right time. The ninth season of Little House had some episodes that were good, but not great. The majority of the episodes from this final season were mediocre and a few were just plain terrible. Only "The Empire Builders," the two-part "The Wild Boy" and "Home Again," and "Little Lou" episodes saved the ninth season from being a total waste.
Nevertheless, this was an interesting episode about how the American dream can at times turn into a nightmare. The story opens with a railroad in the beginning stages of development to connect the eastern and western parts of the country, and plans are made to route through Walnut Grove. At first, the residents are enthusiastic, as this will mean more money, activity, and excitement for the town. It isn't long however, before the people of Walnut Grove change their minds, when it means two farmers, namely Almonzo Wilder and John Carter, will lose their farms in the process as the railroad will need to use their property to lay down the track. This is where the episode gets interesting.
The law of eminent domain gives the government the right to buy any home and take a citizen's land and property, if it is for the purpose of benefitting the public in the long run. This specific law has helped build public interstate highways, and public and private colleges as well as railroads. Chances are almost 100% if the government wants you out, you will not win an argument against their right to evict you for the purpose of eminent domain. So, your best bet may just be to take what they offer you and move, rather than putting up a useless fight.
This is exactly how the law of eminent domain is explained to Laura and Almonzo by a lawyer they see to find out what their options are when faced with the dilemma of losing their farm to the railroad. The attorney graciously and altruistically declines payment, because as he says "I'm afraid I wasn't much help to you" and advises them to take whatever money they can get and clear out.
The railroad company reacts to the opposition by going to immoral and violent extremes to keep their project up-to-date and take out anyone who gets in their way, starting with an assault on John Carter, who refuses to budge.
Fortunately, the railroad does have a man of character in an idealistic, compassionate surveyor named Hobson, who later befriends Reverend Alden. Hobson has experienced more frustration than fulfillment in his hopes to make a valuable career for himself by helping build a railroad, something he never thought would happen at the expense of others. He is very kind and humble, and not ruthless or cold like the others. Reverend Alden commends him for his morality and says he considers him a friend.
Just when the situation appears to be hopeless, Almonzo has ideas. "How much would a nice long delay cost them?" Almonzo asks Hobson. "Oh, one day would cost them a fortune" Hobson quickly replies. Hobson agrees to help their cause and persuades a colleague to conduct a land survey to see if the railroad could conceivably run through nearby Tracy, while the residents of Walnut Grove hold down the fort, Carter's farm, to be exact. Hitting them in the pocket book is sometimes the best way to fight any organization, government or corporation, no matter how powerful they are. This is perhaps the greatest lesson this episode has to offer.
Although the entertaining plot, interesting characters, and educational information is somewhat watered down with some corny and unnecessary "we love this land and we're going to fight for it" monologues, they're easily forgiven and forgotten because of all the other great elements in the story. I will not give away the ending, but the final confrontation is definitely entertaining and something to see. If you want to see a good episode where you can learn something about history, government, and fighting for your rights, "The Empire Builders" definitely fits the bill.
Nevertheless, this was an interesting episode about how the American dream can at times turn into a nightmare. The story opens with a railroad in the beginning stages of development to connect the eastern and western parts of the country, and plans are made to route through Walnut Grove. At first, the residents are enthusiastic, as this will mean more money, activity, and excitement for the town. It isn't long however, before the people of Walnut Grove change their minds, when it means two farmers, namely Almonzo Wilder and John Carter, will lose their farms in the process as the railroad will need to use their property to lay down the track. This is where the episode gets interesting.
The law of eminent domain gives the government the right to buy any home and take a citizen's land and property, if it is for the purpose of benefitting the public in the long run. This specific law has helped build public interstate highways, and public and private colleges as well as railroads. Chances are almost 100% if the government wants you out, you will not win an argument against their right to evict you for the purpose of eminent domain. So, your best bet may just be to take what they offer you and move, rather than putting up a useless fight.
This is exactly how the law of eminent domain is explained to Laura and Almonzo by a lawyer they see to find out what their options are when faced with the dilemma of losing their farm to the railroad. The attorney graciously and altruistically declines payment, because as he says "I'm afraid I wasn't much help to you" and advises them to take whatever money they can get and clear out.
The railroad company reacts to the opposition by going to immoral and violent extremes to keep their project up-to-date and take out anyone who gets in their way, starting with an assault on John Carter, who refuses to budge.
Fortunately, the railroad does have a man of character in an idealistic, compassionate surveyor named Hobson, who later befriends Reverend Alden. Hobson has experienced more frustration than fulfillment in his hopes to make a valuable career for himself by helping build a railroad, something he never thought would happen at the expense of others. He is very kind and humble, and not ruthless or cold like the others. Reverend Alden commends him for his morality and says he considers him a friend.
Just when the situation appears to be hopeless, Almonzo has ideas. "How much would a nice long delay cost them?" Almonzo asks Hobson. "Oh, one day would cost them a fortune" Hobson quickly replies. Hobson agrees to help their cause and persuades a colleague to conduct a land survey to see if the railroad could conceivably run through nearby Tracy, while the residents of Walnut Grove hold down the fort, Carter's farm, to be exact. Hitting them in the pocket book is sometimes the best way to fight any organization, government or corporation, no matter how powerful they are. This is perhaps the greatest lesson this episode has to offer.
Although the entertaining plot, interesting characters, and educational information is somewhat watered down with some corny and unnecessary "we love this land and we're going to fight for it" monologues, they're easily forgiven and forgotten because of all the other great elements in the story. I will not give away the ending, but the final confrontation is definitely entertaining and something to see. If you want to see a good episode where you can learn something about history, government, and fighting for your rights, "The Empire Builders" definitely fits the bill.
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- BDeWittP
- Jan 20, 2021
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