Imagine being trapped in the snow from October to April.
It’s been a tough winter for Californians, but here’s a story of one of the worst. The families of brothers George and Jacob Donner and businessman James Reed left Springfield, Missouri, on April 14, 1846. It was two years before gold would be discovered in California and 10 years before Chinese workers would start building the Transcontinental Railroad.
At its peak, the Donner Party would have 87 people — 29 men, 15 women and 43 children — in a column of 23 ox-drawn wagons.The group made good progress through southeastern Wyoming, covering roughly 650 miles in six weeks. On July 20, 1846, the company divided, with most of the wagon train using the well-known Oregon Trail to continue the journey west. The Reeds, the Donners and a number of others chose to head southwest toward Fort Bridger.
About three-quarters of the emigrants camped at the east end of Donner Lake while the George and Jacob Donner families and a few others who were behind camped about six miles away, at Alder Creek, just north of present-day Truckee. After more than six weeks being stranded in the snow, a party of 10 men and five women set out to cross the mountains on makeshift snowshoes on Dec. 16. Miwok villagers made first contact with the surviving members and fed and clothed them during a month-long journey in storms to get over the mountains. Two men and all the women got through to the Sacramento Valley.Settlers of California, along with James Reed, who had been expelled, organized a relief party that left Fort Sutter on Jan.
The last survivor, Lewis Keseberg, who had supported himself during the last weeks by cannibalism, did not leave camp until April 21.Keseberg was vilified as a cannibal and accused of being a thief and a murderer. Keseberg eventually sued Edward “Ned” Coffeemeyer, one of his own rescuers, for defamatory statements. Keseberg won in court, but was only awarded $1.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Anna October Pre-Fall 2023 CollectionAnna October Pre-Fall 2023 collection, runway looks, beauty, models, and reviews.
Les mer »
'Super bloom' swarms force California city to say no moreA small California city that was overrun by visitors four years ago when heavy winter rains produced a spring “super bloom” of wild poppies has a message for the public after this year’s deluge: Do not come. You could be arrested.
Les mer »
Infrastructure bill passes: Here's what California will getHere's a refresher on what's coming to California as a result of the $1T bipartisan infrastructure deal Biden mentioned tonight. SOTU
Les mer »
Katie Maloney on Tom Schwartz & Raquel Leviss' Kiss, Divorce AftermathThe co-stars finalized their divorce in October 2022 after more than a decade together.
Les mer »
California Bill Proposes Cash for EV ConversionsThe SEMA sponsored California Senate Bill 301 would provide residents up to $2000 towards the price of converting their old car or truck to a modern electric powertrain.
Les mer »