Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How the Donner Party Worked
Jun 22, 2019
Discover the chilling tale of the Donner Party, who faced unimaginable hardships while trying to cross the Sierra Nevada. Their ill-fated choice of a shortcut plunged them into dire straits, leading to a struggle against starvation. The dire decisions made for survival, including cannibalism, are explored through heartbreaking personal accounts. Amidst their tragedy, light-hearted anecdotes and discussions about Langford Hastings bring a unique twist to this harrowing journey. Immerse yourself in this gripping saga of desperation and human endurance.
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The Donner-Reed Party's Ill-Fated Journey
- The Donner-Reed Party, led by George Donner and James Reed, aimed to reach California in 1846.
- Reed's opulent wagon, complete with a stove and bunk beds, caused resentment among other travelers.
Hastings Cutoff: A Fateful Decision
- Lansford Hastings, an attorney, promoted the Hastings Cutoff, a shortcut to California.
- Donner, influenced by Hastings' guidebook, chose this route, despite warnings from others.
Hardships on the Hastings Cutoff
- The Donner Party split; some followed the established trail, while others took the Hastings Cutoff.
- The Cutoff proved disastrous, adding weeks to their journey and depleting resources.