However, their luck would soon run out. But by the turn of the century, Independence had successfully bounced back and rebuilt itself to become a thriving farming community. Today, Independence is a hot tourist destination as a midway point between the Sierras and Death Valley. The remoteness of the areas in and around Independence, nearby Lone Pine and the rocky Alabama Hills have been the ideal shooting locations for more than 300 films. Lone Pine even hosts its own an annual film festival in October.
Independence is also an inspiration to writers.