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Donner Party
The Donner Party was a group of California-bound pioneers that encountered severe weather in the Sierra Nevada and many died. Only 48 of the 87 party members arrived in Sacramento alive.
114 Questions
What is the year of when the Donner party started traveling?
On April 16, 1846, nine covered wagons left Springfield, Illinois on the 2500 mile journey to California, in what would become one of the greatest tragedies in the history of westward migration. The originator of this group was a man named James Frasier Reed, an Illinois business man, eager to build a greater fortune in the rich land of California. Reed also hoped that his wife, Margaret, who suffered from terrible headaches, might improve in the coastal climate. Reed had recently read the book TheEmigrants' Guide to Oregon and California, by Landsford W. Hastings, who advertised a new shortcut across the Great Basin. This new route enticed travelers by advertising that it would save the pioneers 350-400 miles on easy terrain. However, what was not known by Reed was that the Hastings Route had never been tested, written by Hastings who had visions of building an empire at Sutter's Fort (now Sacramento.) It was this falsified information that would lead to the doom of the Donner Party.
Reed soon found others seeking adventure and fortune in the vast including the Donner family, Graves, Breens, Murphys, Eddys, McCutcheons, Kesebergs, and the Wolfingers, as well as seven teamsters and a number of bachelors. The initial group included 32 men, women and children.
With James and Margaret Reed were their four children, Virginia, Patty, James and Thomas, as well as Margaret's 70-year-old mother, Sarah Keyes, and two hired servants. Though Sarah Keyes was so sick with consumption that she could barely walk, she was unwilling to be separated from her only daughter. However, the successful Reed was determined his family would not suffer on long journey as his wagon was an extravagant two-story affair with a built-in iron stove, spring-cushioned seats and bunks for sleeping. Taking eight oxen to pull the luxurious wagon, Reed's 12-year-old daughter Virginia dubbed it "The Pioneer Palace Car."
The donner party tried to survive by?
Well, you have the obvious answer - eating the deceased members of their party to survive.
Other attempts to survive included sending a group out to try to snow-shoe to find help in the Sacramento Valley / Sutter's Fort.
Ral Donner died on April 6, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois, USA of lung cancer.
Why Were the murderers of Joseph Smith part ot the Donner Party?
They weren't. None of the known members of the mob that killed Joseph Smith were in the Donner Party.
The Donner Party did have two families which had connections to Mormonism. There has been some disagreement as to whether they were practicing Mormons or if they had left the religion at an earlier time, but none of them were party to the murder of Joseph Smith.
Did the Donner party eat dead bodies?
Unfortunately, yes. It was either do this or die in the wilderness.
What problems do wagon trains face?
Ascending OR descending steep trails, the fording of deep, wide, or fast-moving rivers, broken axles, and getting stuck in ruts or mud or sand were all problems that individual wagons had to overcome on the great venture west. Wagon trains still had to be able to keep their accompanying livestock nearby while protecting them from wolves, mountain lions, bears, and the occasional wild, rogue native American raiding parties. Watering places for the animals and 'sticking together' were of prime importance. Traveling at the right time of year to avoid the mountain snow was an important lesson driven home by the horrible misfortunates of the doomed Donner Party (See the Related Link[s] listed below). Many wagon trains avoided the rigors of the Oregon Trail by taking the southern, Santa Fe Trail instead.
What day did the Donner party end?
June 1847 is the day that it ended.The month and the year is known ,but the date in the month is unknown.I had checked it in websites but it didn't say what date it ended.
What did the donner party survivors do once hey reached California?
Once the Donner Party survivors reached California, they sought refuge in settlements and joined local communities, primarily in the Sacramento Valley. Many of them found work in agriculture or other trades to rebuild their lives after the harrowing experience. Some survivors also recounted their story, contributing to the broader narrative of westward expansion and the challenges faced by pioneers. Ultimately, they aimed to create a new life in the promising environment of California.
Yes, there were a number of survivors, maybe half of the original complement. It is a tragic accident of history to call this incident a Party, which usually is something joyful and upbeat, not extreme hunger, survival problems- and cannibalism.
Did the donner party know the mountain pass?
The Donner Party was aware of the Sierra Nevada mountain pass, but they underestimated the challenges it presented. They initially followed established routes, but after taking a shortcut suggested by Lansford Hastings, they became trapped in the mountains during an early winter storm. Their lack of preparation and understanding of the terrain ultimately contributed to their dire situation.
