Episode 150: The Donner Party- Part 1

In the spring of 1846, over 500 covered wagons set off from Independence, Missouri, headed West towards a new life. They could not fathom the difficulties and harsh conditions they would encounter along their journey, and this was especially true for one group of pioneers, now infamously known as the Donner Party. Most have heard salacious headlines outlining the gruesome atrocities committed by the group, but not many know the equally fascinating story of the beginning of their journey. In part one of this two part series, we’ll learn about the first 7 months of their crossing, from Illinois to the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. We’ll hear the details of the brutal challenges they encountered on the Oregon Trail, and one fateful wrong decision that would come to cost many human lives. With equal parts wild history and silly banter, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! 

Happy Haunting!