Everything That Went Wrong For The Donner Party

The Donner Party's journey westward is infamous for its tragic end involving cannibalism. Starting late in May 1846, they faced numerous challenges, including a delayed start, poor food supplies, and a disastrous decision to take the untested Hastings Cutoff. This led to severe hardships, including desert travel difficulties and conflicts within the group. Ultimately, they were trapped by early snow in the Sierra Nevada, leading to starvation and the desperate act of cannibalism. Of the 87 members, only 48 survived to reach California.

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