Donner Party

• What was the name of the group that faced difficulties on the Oregon Trail in 1846?

  The Donner Party
• Why did the Donner Party face distress during their journey?

  They did not prepare adequately for the journey
• How many migrants were in the Donner Party?

  Around 300 migrants
• Who led the Donner Party?

  The Donner brothers
• What was significant about the composition of the Donner Party?

  It included a larger than average proportion of women, children, and the elderly
• Why was leaving in May a disadvantage for the Donner Party?

  It left little time to complete the journey before snow hit the mountains
• What mistake did the Donner brothers make regarding their route?

  They convinced 87 members to take a shortcut that was poorly described
• How much distance did the shortcut supposedly cut off?

  About 550 kilometers
• What was the actual outcome of taking the Hastings Cut-off?

  It was actually 150 miles longer than the usual route
• What challenges did the Donner Party face due to their late departure?

  There was less grass and feed for their animals
• What was the condition of the roads taken by the Donner Party?

  The roads were not well worn or prepared
• What happened to the Donner Party when they reached the Sierra Nevada?

  They became stranded in the snow
• What extreme measures did the Donner Party resort to for survival?

  They resorted to cannibalism
• How many members of the Donner Party died from starvation and freezing?

  39 out of the 87 who set out
• What does the diary entry from the Donner Party reveal about their situation?

  It shows the desperation and thoughts of cannibalism among the members
• What did Captain Fulham describe when he reached the Donner Party?

  A horrible scene with human bodies and cannibalism
• How did the story of the Donner Party influence later migrants?

  Migrants like the Mormons learned from their mistakes
• What were the main reasons for the failure of the Donner Party?

  • Left late in the season
  • Took an untested shortcut
  • Poor preparation and lack of supplies
  • Stranded by snow in the Sierra Nevada
  • Resorting to cannibalism for survival
• What lessons can be learned from the Donner Party's experience?

  • Importance of thorough preparation
  • Risks of untested routes
  • Need for timely travel
  • Consequences of poor decision-making
• What gruesome fate befell the Donner Party?

  • Many resorted to cannibalism
  • 39 members died from starvation and freezing
  • Bodies were found mutilated