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Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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Donner Party and Overland Emigrant Disasters (1846–1847)

Donner Party and Overland Emigrant Disasters (1846–1847)

  1. Reed and Donner families leave Springfield

    Labels: Reed family, Donner family, Springfield IL

  2. Wagon party outfits at Independence, Missouri

    Labels: Independence MO, Wagon train, Trail supplies

  3. Cutoff decision forms near Little Sandy River

    Labels: Hastings Cutoff, Fort Bridger, Little Sandy

  4. Reed is banished after killing John Snyder

    Labels: James F, John Snyder, Trail justice

  5. Early Sierra snows stall the wagon train

    Labels: Sierra Nevada, Truckee Lake, Early snow

  6. Cabins and tents become winter camps

    Labels: Alder Creek, Truckee Lake, Winter camps

  7. Patrick Breen begins a daily camp diary

    Labels: Patrick Breen, Breen diary, Lake camp

  8. Baylis Williams becomes first recorded camp death

    Labels: Baylis Williams, Lake camp, Reed employee

  9. "Forlorn Hope" snowshoe party leaves for help

    Labels: Forlorn Hope, Snowshoe party, Rescue attempt

  10. First Relief reaches the camps at Donner Lake

    Labels: First Relief, Donner Lake, Rescuers

  11. Second Relief arrives as Breen’s diary ends

    Labels: Second Relief, Patrick Breen, Relief arrival

  12. Final rescue removes last survivor, Lewis Keseberg

    Labels: Lewis Keseberg, Final rescue, Sutter's Fort