The Tragic Tale of the Donner Party

Introduction

• In 1846, several families set out for California in search of a better life.
• Their journey turned tragic due to brutal weather, dwindling supplies, and unimaginable hardships, including cannibalism.
• The ordeal of the Donner Party symbolizes resilience and desperation.

Background

• Many Eastern U.S. citizens moved to the Oregon Territory or California in the 1840s.
• Travel was extremely challenging, requiring either a long sea voyage or a tough overland journey.
• Motivations included religious freedom, economic opportunity, and the belief in Manifest Destiny.
• Most traveled in groups called wagon trains, starting in Independence, Missouri.
• Key figures in the Donner Party included George Donner, James F. Reed, and their families.
• They initially joined a larger group led by Colonel William Henry Russell.

The Journey Begins

• The group left Independence in May 1846, soon joining a 50-wagon caravan.
• Mrs. Reed's mother, Sarah Keys, died early in the journey.
• The Murphy family from Tennessee joined the wagon train.
• The journey involved significant delays due to weather and river crossings.
• By late June, they had covered 450 miles, with 200 miles left to Fort Laramie.
• The group met James Clyman, who warned against taking Hastings Cutoff.

The Hastings Cutoff

• Lansford Hastings promoted a new route called Hastings Cutoff, claiming it was shorter.
• Against expert advice, the Donner Party took Hastings Cutoff in late July 1846.
• This route proved disastrous, with rough terrain and scarce resources.
• Progress was slow, averaging 1.5 miles per day.
• They reached the Great Salt Lake Desert, which took six days to cross instead of two.
• They lost significant livestock and resources, causing further delays.

Tragedy Strikes

• By October, tensions arose within the group, resulting in the murder of John Snyder by James Reed.
• Reed was banished from the wagon train but continued on to California.
• The group faced further hardships, including the loss of more livestock to Native American raids.
• Winter approached, and the group split up to make faster progress.
• They encountered heavy snowfall as they reached Truckee Lake, making further travel impossible.

Survival and Cannibalism

• The group built makeshift cabins near Truckee Lake and Alder Creek to survive the winter.
• Food supplies ran out, and many resorted to eating oxhide and, eventually, human flesh.
• The "Forlorn Hope," a group of 17, attempted to cross the mountains on makeshift snowshoes but faced severe hardships and cannibalism.

Rescue Efforts

• James Reed reached Sutter's Fort and organized rescue efforts, which were delayed by the Mexican-American War.
• The first rescue team arrived in February 1847, rescuing 23 people but leaving many behind.
• Subsequent rescue missions faced severe weather and difficult terrain.
• By April 1847, most survivors had been rescued, though many had perished.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Of the 87 who began the journey, only 48 survived.
• Families like the Reeds and Breens managed to stay together, while others, like the Donners and Murphys, experienced significant losses.
• The incident became a widely publicized cautionary tale, influencing future migrations.
• The Donner Party site became a historic landmark, attracting many visitors annually.
• The story serves as a testament to human endurance and the harsh realities of westward expansion.

Key Takeaways

• The Donner Party's tragedy highlights the dangers of untested shortcuts and the brutal realities of frontier life.
• It underscores the importance of preparation, leadership, and community support in survival situations.
• The incident remains a poignant chapter in American history, illustrating both human resilience and the perilous journey of westward expansion.