Donner Party

George Donner was known as the leader of the ill-fated Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who set out for California in 1846. The party became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during a harsh winter, leading to starvation and tragic consequences, including instances of cannibalism. Donner's name has since become synonymous with the dangers of westward expansion and the survival struggles faced by early settlers.

The names of Donner and Blitzen, which are traditionally known as Santa Claus's reindeer, were changed by the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. In the original German tradition, they were named "Donner" and "Blitzen," meaning "thunder" and "lightning." Moore's version popularized their names in English as "Donner" and "Blitzen," which are often mistakenly thought to be "Donder" and "Blitzen." The change helped solidify their place in American Christmas lore.

The Donner Party left James Reed in the desert because he had been involved in a violent altercation with another member of the group, which resulted in him being banished for a time. Reed had been accused of attacking another man during a dispute, and the group's leaders decided that it was safer for the party to continue without him. Reed's departure was intended to maintain group cohesion and prevent further conflict, although he later rejoined the party after overcoming the challenges in the desert.

The Donner Party chose to use the Hastings Cutoff primarily due to the promise of a shorter route to California, which they believed would save time and resources. They were influenced by misleading information from Lansford Hastings, who promoted the cutoff as a more direct path despite its challenging terrain. The allure of reaching their destination faster led them to overlook the potential dangers and difficulties associated with the untested route. Ultimately, this decision contributed to their tragic fate in the Sierra Nevada.

The last name "Donner" can refer to various individuals or families, but it is most famously associated with the Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847. The name itself is of German origin, meaning "thunder." If you have a specific context or individual in mind, please provide more details for a more precise answer.

The rescuers of the Donner Party were primarily from two groups: the first relief party, led by William H. Eddy and William McCutchen, reached the stranded group in February 1847. A second relief party, which included James Reed, also played a significant role in the rescue efforts. These rescuers faced harsh conditions and difficult terrain to save the survivors of the ill-fated expedition.

The Donner Party became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846-1847. They were stranded near Donner Lake, which is located in present-day California. Heavy snowfall and difficult conditions prevented them from continuing their journey to California, leading to severe hardships and tragic outcomes for the group.

The Donner Party aimed to seek new opportunities and prosperity in California during the westward expansion of the 1840s. Their dreams included establishing a better life, potentially obtaining fertile land for farming, and reuniting with family members who had already moved west. Unfortunately, their journey was fraught with challenges, leading to tragedy and hardship rather than the success they envisioned.

The Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847, highlighted the perils of westward expansion and migration, significantly impacting the perception of Nevada's terrain and climate. Their harrowing experience underscored the importance of careful planning and preparation for travelers heading west, leading to changes in migration routes and safety protocols. Additionally, the story of the Donner Party contributed to the growing interest in the West, influencing settlement patterns and the eventual development of Nevada as a state. This tragic saga remains a cautionary tale in American history, symbolizing both the challenges and the determination of those who sought new opportunities in the West.

The Donner Party was named after George Donner, one of the group's leaders. The party, consisting of American pioneers, set out for California in 1846 but became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains during a harsh winter. Their ordeal became infamous due to the extreme hardships they faced, including starvation and cannibalism. Ultimately, the name "Donner Party" reflects the leadership and tragic fate of this group of settlers.

The Donner Party traveled through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, specifically using the Truckee Pass, to reach California. They initially aimed for the California Trail but took a shortcut that led them to become trapped in the mountains during the winter of 1846-1847. This detour ultimately resulted in dire consequences for the group.

Donner Pass is approximately 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level and spans around 15 miles (24 kilometers) in length. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, it is known for its historical significance related to the ill-fated Donner Party in the winter of 1846-1847. The pass is now a key route for transportation and recreation in the region.

The group left too late in the spring, so when they were getting into the mountains the winter snows hit. They were stuck.

The Donners and Reeds left Springfield, Illinois, on April 14, 1846.

They left Independence, Missouri, on May 12, 1846.

However, the Donner Party didn't actually exist until July 19, 1846, when George Donner was elected captain of a newly-formed wagon train.

Not entirely. His description of the route across Utah and into California was not accurate, misstating distances and availability of water. However, Hastings himself successfully crossed the same route. Other factors, especially the weather, were equally as important in the tragedy. Had the party gotten over the Sierra Nevada Mountains before the first heavy snow, they would have made it safely to California.

I disagree. Lansford Hastings recommended the route to California before he actually tried it. When he finally did try it himself, he did it on horseback, not with oxen and covered wagons. Oxen and covered wagons traveled at a much slower pace...duh... especially when navigating through forested valleys and salt deserts. Timing was everything when you needed to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains before the snow came, and Lansford Hasting's "times" were seriously inaccurate due to a fact he should have compensated for. His wrong ideas cost other people their lives. why?

George Donner was the leader

Because he a better life

The Donner Party took off from Independence, MO too late. Back then, you didn't have any good transpertation system like we do now. So they had to rely on wagons. They couldn't take off too early because the grass was needed the horse/mule/oxen to eat. They couldn't take off too late because they wouldn't be able to cross the Rockys because of the snow. So the timing was very important. The Donner Party took off too late so they got stuck on the Rockys.

45 people survived and three horses

There were 87 people not including the teamsters or Indians that travelled with them.

Three families, George Donner's, Jacob Donner's, and James Reed's, left Springfield, Illinois, on April 14, 1846. On May 19 they joined a large wagon train in Kansas. This train was led by William Russell. It broke up into smaller parties. The Donner Party didn't actually exist until July 19, 1846, when a new wagon train was organized and George Donner was elected the captain. This happened near South Pass in Wyoming.

No. He urged the Donner Party to take a shortcut which caused the party unnecessary hardship. If the Donner Party had not taken the shortcut, they would have made it to Sacramento before snow came to the Sierra Nevada mountains.

When the Donner Party was trapped at the beginning of November 1846, they had very little food. They slaughtered their cattle and put the meat in the snow to preserve it. Some of the emigrants had more than the others. When the meat was gone, they ate boiled oxhide and bones. They also ate their dogs. Finally, at the end of February 1847, some of the emigrants had nothing at all left to eat, so they started to eat human flesh. They didn't kill each other for food, they only ate the dead.

The Donner Party ran out of food and were trapped by a winter storm. Cannibalism was unheard of in civilized societies, so this was met with horror! The survivors weren't exactly welcomed neighbors.