In April 1846, Two brothers, George and Jacob Donner, pack up their families into six wagons and plan to go to California, in hopes of land. Seven-Two other wagons joined.
The Donner Party
Started in Springfield, Illinois; on their way to the Oregon trail, a 2,000 mile route west from Missouri, to Oregon connecting to California.
Once the party reached Independence Missouri, it included almost 300 wagons.
When the Donner Party crossed into Wyoming, there was a debate of taking a short cut ; The Hastings Cutoff, or staying on the main trail. The Donner family and 87 other wagons decided on taking The Hasting Cutoff, leaving the rest on the main trail.
Soon after the split there was nothing but hardship for the party, including freezing temperatures, limited supplies, and hunger.
The Donner Party making camp (shown left)
The ordeal lasted 5 months before a rescue party had found the group. 39 perished while 87 were brought to Sutter's Fort.