History That Doesn't Suck

31: The California Trail: From the Donner Party to the Gold Rush

9 snips
Jan 21, 2019
This podcast explores the California Trail, from the struggles of settlers in newly independent Mexico to the tragedy of the Donner Party and winter cannibalism. On a lighter note, the podcast also delves into the discovery of gold and the impact of the California Trail on manifest destiny.
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ANECDOTE

Donner Party Tragedy

  • The Donner party took a shortcut called Hastings Cut-Off, which added 125 miles and 31 days to their journey.
  • Their shortcut led to disaster, including a murder, dwindling supplies, and ultimately, cannibalism.
INSIGHT

Alta California's Governance Challenges

  • Alta California, a vast Spanish/Mexican province, struggled with governance due to its sparse population.
  • Despite Spanish missions and presidios, indigenous resistance limited colonial control, especially inland.
ANECDOTE

First Wagon Train Attempt

  • The 1841 Bartleson-Bidwell Party was the first wagon train to California.
  • They ditched their wagons and hiked across the Sierra Nevada due to difficult terrain, proving a wagon route was uncertain.
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