The Donner party consisted of 87 men, women and children who set out for California in 1846 taking Hastings' Cutoff, a supposed shortcut that ended up costing them crucial time. Stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains as heavy snows arrived in October, over half the group perished over the winter from starvation and cannibalism before final survivors were rescued the following spring. The tragedy served as a warning for later emigrants and helped lead to California's population boom after gold was discovered in 1848, though the fate of the Donner party remained a cautionary tale of the perils of 19th century westward expansion.
The document summarizes key aspects of the reservation system and its impact on Native American tribes, as well as the decline of the buffalo population and rise of the cattle industry in the American West. It discusses how reservations split up tribes territorially and politically, banned religious practices, and sent children to boarding schools. It also describes how buffalo hunting decimated the population from 60 million to just 85 by 1910. The railroad brought settlers and the army west and supported the cattle industry by transporting beef.
- Joseph McCoy established the town of Abilene, Kansas as a shipping point for cattle driven from Texas to be transported east by rail. This was in response to the growing demand for beef in the east. By creating a central location to transport cattle by rail, McCoy solved the problem of how to efficiently ship cattle east, opening up the cattle industry and significantly increasing ranchers' profits. His actions are largely credited with launching the cattle industry and the economic development of the American West.
This document provides information on the roles of various women during the American Revolutionary War, including supporting the patriot cause through writing, boycotts, and morale support. It describes how women took on new economic roles operating farms and businesses while men were at war. It highlights the roles some women played as nurses, supply managers, soldiers, and spies. It then provides details on the stories of several individual women who contributed in various ways, such as Margaret Cochran Corbin who fought at Fort Washington and became the first woman to receive a pension for military service, and Deborah Samson who fought disguised as a man.
The document provides details about the development of cattle ranching on the Great Plains of North America, including:
- Cattle ranching originated in Texas in the 1820s-1830s and was primarily run by Mexican cowboys.
- The railroad industry was critical to the expansion of cattle ranching, as it allowed cattle to be transported to new markets.
- Key figures like Charles Goodnight helped pioneer cattle trails and drives to expand the industry onto more of the Great Plains.
- By the 1880s, overgrazing and drought led to the decline of open range ranching practices.
This document provides biographical information about William Vernon Gordon who was born in 1912 in Idaho and died in 1944 while serving in the U.S. Army in World War II on Bougainville Island. It details his early life growing up in various western states, marrying Rayola Smith in 1933, having a short-lived infant son in 1934, and moving around before settling in Draper, Utah where they built a home and farm. Gordon was drafted in 1942 and sent to the Pacific where he was killed in action on Bougainville Island in February 1944 during Operation Cherryblossom, the invasion of the island by U.S. forces.
This document summarizes the themes of perseverance, pain and suffering, and the balance of life and death in Ernest Hemingway's novella "The Old Man and the Sea". It discusses how the old man perseveres in catching a giant marlin after 84 days without catching a fish. It also explores how he endures exhaustion, hunger, thirst and pain, and is not defeated even when he returns home empty-handed. The document examines how Hemingway was interested in athleticism, physical prowess, and perseverance, and how these themes are reflected in "The Old Man and the Sea".
Who was Captain Cook? What Happened to Him?Bob Mayer
Who was this explorer? What did he find? What happened to him? Why did Benjamin Franklin write a letter to American naval officers asking them to let him go if they encountered him?
The Plains Wars were a series of conflicts between Native American tribes and the United States Army from 1862 to 1890. The wars were sparked by white settlement encroaching on Native lands, breaking of treaties by the U.S. government that reduced reservation sizes, and the Army's lack of understanding of Indian perspectives. Notable conflicts included Little Crow's War in 1862, the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 where over 160 Cheyenne were killed, and Red Cloud's War from 1866 to 1868 where Red Cloud defeated the Army and forced the closure of forts along the Bozeman Trail. Ultimately, the wars ended with Native Americans losing more of their lands and rights as the U.S. continued westward expansion.
The document summarizes key aspects of the reservation system and its impact on Native American tribes, as well as the decline of the buffalo population and rise of the cattle industry in the American West. It discusses how reservations split up tribes territorially and politically, banned religious practices, and sent children to boarding schools. It also describes how buffalo hunting decimated the population from 60 million to just 85 by 1910. The railroad brought settlers and the army west and supported the cattle industry by transporting beef.
- Joseph McCoy established the town of Abilene, Kansas as a shipping point for cattle driven from Texas to be transported east by rail. This was in response to the growing demand for beef in the east. By creating a central location to transport cattle by rail, McCoy solved the problem of how to efficiently ship cattle east, opening up the cattle industry and significantly increasing ranchers' profits. His actions are largely credited with launching the cattle industry and the economic development of the American West.
This document provides information on the roles of various women during the American Revolutionary War, including supporting the patriot cause through writing, boycotts, and morale support. It describes how women took on new economic roles operating farms and businesses while men were at war. It highlights the roles some women played as nurses, supply managers, soldiers, and spies. It then provides details on the stories of several individual women who contributed in various ways, such as Margaret Cochran Corbin who fought at Fort Washington and became the first woman to receive a pension for military service, and Deborah Samson who fought disguised as a man.
The document provides details about the development of cattle ranching on the Great Plains of North America, including:
- Cattle ranching originated in Texas in the 1820s-1830s and was primarily run by Mexican cowboys.
- The railroad industry was critical to the expansion of cattle ranching, as it allowed cattle to be transported to new markets.
- Key figures like Charles Goodnight helped pioneer cattle trails and drives to expand the industry onto more of the Great Plains.
- By the 1880s, overgrazing and drought led to the decline of open range ranching practices.
This document provides biographical information about William Vernon Gordon who was born in 1912 in Idaho and died in 1944 while serving in the U.S. Army in World War II on Bougainville Island. It details his early life growing up in various western states, marrying Rayola Smith in 1933, having a short-lived infant son in 1934, and moving around before settling in Draper, Utah where they built a home and farm. Gordon was drafted in 1942 and sent to the Pacific where he was killed in action on Bougainville Island in February 1944 during Operation Cherryblossom, the invasion of the island by U.S. forces.
This document summarizes the themes of perseverance, pain and suffering, and the balance of life and death in Ernest Hemingway's novella "The Old Man and the Sea". It discusses how the old man perseveres in catching a giant marlin after 84 days without catching a fish. It also explores how he endures exhaustion, hunger, thirst and pain, and is not defeated even when he returns home empty-handed. The document examines how Hemingway was interested in athleticism, physical prowess, and perseverance, and how these themes are reflected in "The Old Man and the Sea".
Who was Captain Cook? What Happened to Him?Bob Mayer
Who was this explorer? What did he find? What happened to him? Why did Benjamin Franklin write a letter to American naval officers asking them to let him go if they encountered him?
The Plains Wars were a series of conflicts between Native American tribes and the United States Army from 1862 to 1890. The wars were sparked by white settlement encroaching on Native lands, breaking of treaties by the U.S. government that reduced reservation sizes, and the Army's lack of understanding of Indian perspectives. Notable conflicts included Little Crow's War in 1862, the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 where over 160 Cheyenne were killed, and Red Cloud's War from 1866 to 1868 where Red Cloud defeated the Army and forced the closure of forts along the Bozeman Trail. Ultimately, the wars ended with Native Americans losing more of their lands and rights as the U.S. continued westward expansion.
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The Donner Party. What Surprising Events Led to the Final Disaster? Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
The Donner Party catastrophe was caused by a series of cascading events stemming from poor decision making. In 1846, the group decided to take a supposed shortcut called the Hastings Cutoff, despite warnings, which caused major delays. They became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains by heavy snowfall in late fall. Stranded with inadequate supplies, some members resorted to cannibalism to survive. By the time rescue efforts reached the party in 1847, around half had perished from malnutrition, exposure, homicide or cannibalism. This tragedy demonstrates how human error, such as failing to heed warnings, make sound judgments or recognize tipping points, can turn a difficult situation into a catastrophe.
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The document summarizes an archaeological study of the Alder Creek campsite where the Donner Party was stranded. The study found over 16,000 bone fragments but was unable to identify any as human. While this suggests there was no cannibalism at Alder Creek, it does not rule it out, as human remains could have been missed or processed elsewhere. The bones were identified as belonging to animals like horse, deer, cattle, and dog, providing insight into what the party ate to survive. However, the evidence does not definitively answer whether cannibalism occurred at Alder Creek.
1) A plane carrying members of a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes mountains. Of the 45 people on board, 17 died initially or soon after from injuries. Those who survived struggled to find food and shelter at the remote crash site.
2) After supplies ran out, the survivors resorted to cannibalism, eating the bodies of those who had died, in order to survive. Several attempts were made to hike out of the mountains to find help.
3) On the third attempt, two survivors hiked for days and were eventually spotted by some local men. A rescue effort was then launched to save the remaining 16 survivors who had been stranded for over two months.
1) A plane carrying members of a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes mountains. Of the 45 people on board, 17 died initially or soon after. The survivors had little supplies and faced starvation.
2) After many died from injuries and exposure, the survivors resorted to cannibalism of the deceased to survive. Several attempts to hike out and find help failed.
3) Eventually, three survivors hiked for over 10 days and were able to flag down help, leading to a rescue of the remaining 16 survivors after over two months stranded in the mountains.
The document discusses Manifest Destiny, the life and hardships of emigrants traveling the Oregon and California trails westward in the mid-1800s, important landmarks and forts along the trails, and the tragic events of the Donner Party journey. It describes the 2,000 mile journey over 6 months that emigrants faced, crossing landmarks like Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, and South Pass. Forts like Fort Kearny, Fort Laramie, and Fort Hall provided supplies to emigrants. The Donner Party took a fatal shortcut and got trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter blizzards, resulting in cannibalism and the deaths of most members.
This document summarizes the life of Thomas "Bigfoot" Spencer, one of the earliest settlers of Middle Tennessee in the late 18th century. It describes how Spencer gained a legendary reputation for his immense size and strength, as evidenced by stories of feats like tossing a man over an 8-foot fence. As the first person to spend a winter in Middle Tennessee, living in a hollow tree, Spencer established himself as the first permanent settler in the region. However, he was ultimately killed by Cherokee Indians in 1794 while returning to Virginia. Though a real historic figure, many details of Spencer's life became embellished in folklore over time.
This document discusses several instances of cannibalism throughout history where people resorted to eating humans in dire situations of starvation. It describes the infamous 1884 case of the Mignonette where four men were stranded at sea and killed and ate the 17-year old cabin boy to survive. It also mentions the Donner Party who were trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846 and resorted to cannibalism. The 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes where survivors ate the deceased over 72 days is also discussed.
Yet more from the Deserted Village (Part 2 of 3)Lee Manchester
This document is from Henry Smith Huntington's 1853 diary of his trip to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. It provides a detailed account of his journey, including descriptions of the scenery and places he visited each day such as Cheney's farm, Indian Pass, Colden Lake, and Newcomb Lake. He describes the terrain, wildlife spotted, meals eaten, and recreational activities such as fishing and hunting. The diary conveys Huntington's appreciation and awe for the natural beauty of the Adirondack region.
The document summarizes key events in the westward expansion of the United States, including the California Gold Rush, the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party, and the Battle of the Alamo. The California Gold Rush beginning in 1848 saw hundreds of thousands of people migrate to California in search of gold. The Donner Party took a shortcut route that proved disastrous as they became trapped by heavy snowfall in the mountains, resulting in cases of cannibalism. The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 was a pivotal event during the Texas Revolution that saw nearly all Texan defenders killed after a 13-day siege, sparking further resistance against Santa Anna's forces.
The document summarizes key events in the westward expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century, including:
1) The California Gold Rush beginning in 1848 which drew over 300,000 people to California seeking fortune and prosperity.
2) The ill-fated journey of the Donner Party in 1846, in which their attempt to take a shortcut led to being trapped by heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains, resulting in cannibalism and many deaths from starvation and exposure.
3) The Oregon Trail, which was used from the 1820s-1860s by settlers, fur trappers, and Mormons to travel west to Oregon territory, encountering many hard
The Corps of Discovery (Lewis and Clark Expedition)Cody Tolliver
Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the Corps of Discovery Expedition from 1803 to 1806 to explore the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition traveled over 8,000 miles by boat, foot, and horseback to reach the Pacific Ocean and back, encountering many Native American tribes and documenting numerous plant and animal species. Lewis and Clark helped expand scientific knowledge of the western half of North America and paved the way for further westward expansion.
This document provides a detailed history of the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in North Carolina from the early settlement of the region by indigenous peoples through the establishment of the lodge in the 1940s. It describes how the area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee, then settled by Europeans in the early 1800s. Logging and dam construction in the early 20th century transformed the region. The lodge was established in 1941 on land purchased from a local family to accommodate tourists visiting nearby forests and parks.
The document discusses the history of the Deadwood and Black Hills region from the 18th century to the late 19th century. It describes how the area was originally home to Native American tribes like the Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Lakota. In the 1870s, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills drew miners and other settlers which led to the founding of Deadwood. The boomtown soon attracted famous and infamous figures. By the 1890s, the region had become a center for gold mining and railroads while conflicts increased with Native Americans, culminating in the Wounded Knee Massacre. The document includes numerous photographs documenting the people and landscapes of the area from that time.
Joseph Gurnsey Brown and Esther Brown were Mormon pioneers who traveled to Utah in the 1840s-1850s. Joseph came west with his family in 1849 after his father and brother had traveled earlier. In 1856, Joseph participated in a rescue mission that saved members of the Martin and Willie handcart companies. It was on this mission that he met Esther Brown, a dressmaker from England, and later married her. Esther had immigrated to America in 1856 with her siblings and walked across the plains with the Hunt wagon train company before being rescued. She and Joseph settled in Draper, Utah where they raised their family.
South Dakota has a diverse landscape and history. It was originally home to Native American tribes like the Sioux who fought to maintain their lands. The state has significant agricultural industries but also saw gold rushes and settlements. Today South Dakota features many parks, national monuments, and is known for sites like Mount Rushmore.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806 was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase and establish trade routes. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition traveled up the Missouri River, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and reached the Pacific Ocean, collecting scientific data and establishing diplomatic relations with Native American tribes along the way. Their journals provided valuable information to President Jefferson about the new western lands and fulfilled the goal of finding a practical route across the continent.
Henry E. Day was born in 1824 in Maine and moved to Bridgeton, Maine as a child. In 1841, he left Maine to work clearing land for a plantation in Mississippi. He later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he was introduced to Mormonism. Day moved to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842 where he worked for Joseph Smith and witnessed his leadership. In 1850, Day traveled by wagon train to Salt Lake City, arriving in July. He settled in Draper, Utah where he helped build fortifications and served in the Mormon militia. Day held leadership positions in the LDS church and had multiple wives and children before passing away in 1898.
This document discusses the key themes of geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions. It provides examples of each theme, such as discussing absolute and relative location, how people and nature change landscapes, and reasons for population movement. The document then summarizes the history of settlement in Kenosha, Wisconsin, explaining that the Potawatomi originally fished the area and named it after the fish they caught. Pioneers later found the location desirable due to rich farmland and its port, leading to permanent settlement.
The document summarizes key events around the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War 1:
- Wilson's 14 Points plan for peace was not fully realized due to opposition from European leaders who wanted to harshly punish Germany.
- The "Big Four" nations of France, Britain, Italy, and the U.S. shaped the final treaty signed in June 1919, though Germany and Russia were excluded.
- The treaty forced Germany to accept war guilt and pay massive reparations while losing territory. This humiliated Germany and planted seeds for future conflict.
- Wilson's efforts to get the U.S. Senate to ratify the treaty and join the new League of Nations failed when he suffered a
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The Donner Party. What Surprising Events Led to the Final Disaster? Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
The Donner Party catastrophe was caused by a series of cascading events stemming from poor decision making. In 1846, the group decided to take a supposed shortcut called the Hastings Cutoff, despite warnings, which caused major delays. They became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains by heavy snowfall in late fall. Stranded with inadequate supplies, some members resorted to cannibalism to survive. By the time rescue efforts reached the party in 1847, around half had perished from malnutrition, exposure, homicide or cannibalism. This tragedy demonstrates how human error, such as failing to heed warnings, make sound judgments or recognize tipping points, can turn a difficult situation into a catastrophe.
The Donner Party. What Cascade Events Led to the Final Disaster?Bob Mayer
Everyone focuses on the end result when the party was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the seeds of the disaster were planted long before then. Bad decisions, murder, poor leadership and more, all contributed. Learn what really happened.
The document summarizes an archaeological study of the Alder Creek campsite where the Donner Party was stranded. The study found over 16,000 bone fragments but was unable to identify any as human. While this suggests there was no cannibalism at Alder Creek, it does not rule it out, as human remains could have been missed or processed elsewhere. The bones were identified as belonging to animals like horse, deer, cattle, and dog, providing insight into what the party ate to survive. However, the evidence does not definitively answer whether cannibalism occurred at Alder Creek.
1) A plane carrying members of a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes mountains. Of the 45 people on board, 17 died initially or soon after from injuries. Those who survived struggled to find food and shelter at the remote crash site.
2) After supplies ran out, the survivors resorted to cannibalism, eating the bodies of those who had died, in order to survive. Several attempts were made to hike out of the mountains to find help.
3) On the third attempt, two survivors hiked for days and were eventually spotted by some local men. A rescue effort was then launched to save the remaining 16 survivors who had been stranded for over two months.
1) A plane carrying members of a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes mountains. Of the 45 people on board, 17 died initially or soon after. The survivors had little supplies and faced starvation.
2) After many died from injuries and exposure, the survivors resorted to cannibalism of the deceased to survive. Several attempts to hike out and find help failed.
3) Eventually, three survivors hiked for over 10 days and were able to flag down help, leading to a rescue of the remaining 16 survivors after over two months stranded in the mountains.
The document discusses Manifest Destiny, the life and hardships of emigrants traveling the Oregon and California trails westward in the mid-1800s, important landmarks and forts along the trails, and the tragic events of the Donner Party journey. It describes the 2,000 mile journey over 6 months that emigrants faced, crossing landmarks like Chimney Rock, Independence Rock, and South Pass. Forts like Fort Kearny, Fort Laramie, and Fort Hall provided supplies to emigrants. The Donner Party took a fatal shortcut and got trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter blizzards, resulting in cannibalism and the deaths of most members.
This document summarizes the life of Thomas "Bigfoot" Spencer, one of the earliest settlers of Middle Tennessee in the late 18th century. It describes how Spencer gained a legendary reputation for his immense size and strength, as evidenced by stories of feats like tossing a man over an 8-foot fence. As the first person to spend a winter in Middle Tennessee, living in a hollow tree, Spencer established himself as the first permanent settler in the region. However, he was ultimately killed by Cherokee Indians in 1794 while returning to Virginia. Though a real historic figure, many details of Spencer's life became embellished in folklore over time.
This document discusses several instances of cannibalism throughout history where people resorted to eating humans in dire situations of starvation. It describes the infamous 1884 case of the Mignonette where four men were stranded at sea and killed and ate the 17-year old cabin boy to survive. It also mentions the Donner Party who were trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846 and resorted to cannibalism. The 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes where survivors ate the deceased over 72 days is also discussed.
Yet more from the Deserted Village (Part 2 of 3)Lee Manchester
This document is from Henry Smith Huntington's 1853 diary of his trip to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. It provides a detailed account of his journey, including descriptions of the scenery and places he visited each day such as Cheney's farm, Indian Pass, Colden Lake, and Newcomb Lake. He describes the terrain, wildlife spotted, meals eaten, and recreational activities such as fishing and hunting. The diary conveys Huntington's appreciation and awe for the natural beauty of the Adirondack region.
The document summarizes key events in the westward expansion of the United States, including the California Gold Rush, the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party, and the Battle of the Alamo. The California Gold Rush beginning in 1848 saw hundreds of thousands of people migrate to California in search of gold. The Donner Party took a shortcut route that proved disastrous as they became trapped by heavy snowfall in the mountains, resulting in cases of cannibalism. The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 was a pivotal event during the Texas Revolution that saw nearly all Texan defenders killed after a 13-day siege, sparking further resistance against Santa Anna's forces.
The document summarizes key events in the westward expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century, including:
1) The California Gold Rush beginning in 1848 which drew over 300,000 people to California seeking fortune and prosperity.
2) The ill-fated journey of the Donner Party in 1846, in which their attempt to take a shortcut led to being trapped by heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains, resulting in cannibalism and many deaths from starvation and exposure.
3) The Oregon Trail, which was used from the 1820s-1860s by settlers, fur trappers, and Mormons to travel west to Oregon territory, encountering many hard
The Corps of Discovery (Lewis and Clark Expedition)Cody Tolliver
Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the Corps of Discovery Expedition from 1803 to 1806 to explore the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition traveled over 8,000 miles by boat, foot, and horseback to reach the Pacific Ocean and back, encountering many Native American tribes and documenting numerous plant and animal species. Lewis and Clark helped expand scientific knowledge of the western half of North America and paved the way for further westward expansion.
This document provides a detailed history of the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in North Carolina from the early settlement of the region by indigenous peoples through the establishment of the lodge in the 1940s. It describes how the area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee, then settled by Europeans in the early 1800s. Logging and dam construction in the early 20th century transformed the region. The lodge was established in 1941 on land purchased from a local family to accommodate tourists visiting nearby forests and parks.
The document discusses the history of the Deadwood and Black Hills region from the 18th century to the late 19th century. It describes how the area was originally home to Native American tribes like the Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Lakota. In the 1870s, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills drew miners and other settlers which led to the founding of Deadwood. The boomtown soon attracted famous and infamous figures. By the 1890s, the region had become a center for gold mining and railroads while conflicts increased with Native Americans, culminating in the Wounded Knee Massacre. The document includes numerous photographs documenting the people and landscapes of the area from that time.
Joseph Gurnsey Brown and Esther Brown were Mormon pioneers who traveled to Utah in the 1840s-1850s. Joseph came west with his family in 1849 after his father and brother had traveled earlier. In 1856, Joseph participated in a rescue mission that saved members of the Martin and Willie handcart companies. It was on this mission that he met Esther Brown, a dressmaker from England, and later married her. Esther had immigrated to America in 1856 with her siblings and walked across the plains with the Hunt wagon train company before being rescued. She and Joseph settled in Draper, Utah where they raised their family.
South Dakota has a diverse landscape and history. It was originally home to Native American tribes like the Sioux who fought to maintain their lands. The state has significant agricultural industries but also saw gold rushes and settlements. Today South Dakota features many parks, national monuments, and is known for sites like Mount Rushmore.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806 was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase and establish trade routes. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition traveled up the Missouri River, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and reached the Pacific Ocean, collecting scientific data and establishing diplomatic relations with Native American tribes along the way. Their journals provided valuable information to President Jefferson about the new western lands and fulfilled the goal of finding a practical route across the continent.
Henry E. Day was born in 1824 in Maine and moved to Bridgeton, Maine as a child. In 1841, he left Maine to work clearing land for a plantation in Mississippi. He later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he was introduced to Mormonism. Day moved to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842 where he worked for Joseph Smith and witnessed his leadership. In 1850, Day traveled by wagon train to Salt Lake City, arriving in July. He settled in Draper, Utah where he helped build fortifications and served in the Mormon militia. Day held leadership positions in the LDS church and had multiple wives and children before passing away in 1898.
This document discusses the key themes of geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions. It provides examples of each theme, such as discussing absolute and relative location, how people and nature change landscapes, and reasons for population movement. The document then summarizes the history of settlement in Kenosha, Wisconsin, explaining that the Potawatomi originally fished the area and named it after the fish they caught. Pioneers later found the location desirable due to rich farmland and its port, leading to permanent settlement.
The document summarizes key events around the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War 1:
- Wilson's 14 Points plan for peace was not fully realized due to opposition from European leaders who wanted to harshly punish Germany.
- The "Big Four" nations of France, Britain, Italy, and the U.S. shaped the final treaty signed in June 1919, though Germany and Russia were excluded.
- The treaty forced Germany to accept war guilt and pay massive reparations while losing territory. This humiliated Germany and planted seeds for future conflict.
- Wilson's efforts to get the U.S. Senate to ratify the treaty and join the new League of Nations failed when he suffered a
The United States mobilized for war after declaring war on Germany in April 1917. The government implemented selective service, raised income taxes, and launched bond campaigns to fund the war effort. Over 4.8 million troops were drafted or volunteered. In June 1917, American troops began arriving in France under General John Pershing. The Americans helped turn the tide of war in 1918 by fighting in major battles and offensives, and Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. Over 116,000 American soldiers died during the war.
The document summarizes the key events that drew the United States into World War I despite President Wilson's initial goal of neutrality. These included the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 which killed over 100 American civilians and turned public opinion against Germany. Germany then declared unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, and the Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted that year offering Mexico allied support if it joined the war against the U.S., further angering American citizens. As a result of these provocations, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917 in order to "make the world safe for democracy."
The document summarizes the key events that drew the United States into World War I despite President Wilson's initial goal of neutrality. These included the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 which killed over 100 American civilians and turned public opinion against Germany. Germany then declared unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, and the Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted, revealing a German plot to ally with Mexico if the U.S. entered the war. As tensions rose, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917, believing the U.S. must enter the fight to "make the world safe for democracy."
The document provides an overview of the social, economic, and political climate of the United States during the 1920s. It describes the era as one of prosperity driven by mass production, consumerism, and new technologies like the automobile. Republican presidents like Coolidge and Hoover dominated politics and championed business interests. However, society was also in conflict, as nativism, racism, and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan led to discrimination and unfair treatment of immigrants and minorities. Cultural innovations in radio, film, art, literature, and music emerged despite social tensions.
The United States mobilized for war after declaring war on Germany in April 1917. The government implemented selective service, raised income taxes, and launched bond campaigns to fund the war effort. Over 4.8 million troops were drafted or volunteered. In June 1917, American troops began arriving in France under General John Pershing. The Americans helped turn the tide of war in 1918 by fighting in major battles and offensives, and Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. Over 116,000 American soldiers died during the war.
World War I was a global war centered in Europe that began in 1914 and lasted until 1918. It involved over 30 countries and resulted in over 15 million deaths. The war started due to increasing nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and a system of alliances that drew the major European powers into war. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbian nationalists. The war was fought mainly in trenches along the Western Front and resulted in new weapons and military technology but little movement in the battle lines. The United States entered the war in 1917 on the side of Britain, France, Russia, and Italy against Germany and its allies. The war ended with the defeat of
World War I was a global war centered in Europe that began in 1914 and lasted until 1918. It involved over 30 countries and resulted in over 15 million deaths. The war started due to increasing nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and a system of alliances that drew the major European powers into war. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbian nationalists. The war was fought mainly in trenches along the Western Front and resulted in new weapons and military technology but little movement in the frontlines, leading to mass casualties. The war had far-reaching political, cultural, economic, and social impact.
World War I was a global war centered in Europe that began in 1914 and lasted until 1918. It involved over 30 countries and resulted in over 15 million deaths. The war started due to increasing nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and a system of alliances that drew the major European powers into war. The immediate trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Serbian nationalists. The war was fought mainly in trenches along the Western Front and resulted in new weapons and military technology but little movement in the battle lines. The United States entered the war in 1917 on the side of Britain, France and Russia against Germany and its allies. The war ended with the defeat of the Central Powers
The United States mobilized for war after declaring war on Germany in April 1917. The government implemented selective service, raised income taxes, and launched bond campaigns to fund the war effort. Over 4.8 million troops were drafted or volunteered. In June 1917, American troops began arriving in France under General John Pershing. The Americans helped turn the tide of war in 1918 by holding back German offensives and launching their own offensives like the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. Over 116,000 American soldiers died during the war.
The document summarizes key events around the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War 1:
- Wilson's 14 Points plan for peace was not fully realized due to opposition from European leaders who wanted to punish Germany more harshly.
- The "Big Four" nations of France, Britain, Italy, and the U.S. shaped the final treaty signed in June 1919, though Germany signed as well to gain the League of Nations provision.
- The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including war guilt, territorial losses, and reparations payments. This severely weakened Germany politically and economically.
- Wilson's efforts to get the U.S. Senate to ratify the treaty and join the League of
The United States mobilized for war after declaring war on Germany in April 1917. The government implemented selective service, raised income taxes, and launched bond campaigns to fund the war effort. Over 4.8 million troops were drafted or volunteered. In June 1917, American troops began arriving in France under General John Pershing. The Americans helped turn the tide of war, engaging in important battles and offensives in 1918 before Germany signed an armistice on November 11, 1918, ending the war. Over 116,000 American soldiers died during World War I.
The document summarizes the key events that drew the United States into World War I despite President Wilson's initial goal of neutrality. These included the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 which killed over 100 American civilians and turned public opinion against Germany. Germany then declared unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, and the Zimmerman Telegram was intercepted, revealing a German plot to ally with Mexico if the U.S. entered the war. As tensions escalated, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany in April 1917, arguing that entering the war would "make the world safe for democracy."
This document provides an overview of key concepts in geography, including the five themes of geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions. It discusses geography as the study of the Earth's surface and the relationship between people and their environment. As an example, it summarizes the settlement of Kenosha, WI, explaining that the Potawatomi originally fished there and named the area for the fish they caught. Pioneers later found the location desirable due to its rich farmland and port/harbor for fishing and trading. Geographers use tools like satellite images, GPS, GIS, and census data to study places and ask questions about the world.
This document provides an overview of key concepts in geography, including the five themes of geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions. It discusses geography as the study of the Earth's surface and the relationship between people and their environment. As an example, it summarizes the settlement of Kenosha, WI, explaining that the Potawatomi originally fished there and named the area for the pike fish they caught. Pioneers later found the location desirable for its rich farmland and port/harbor for fishing and trading.
1. THE DONNER PARTY
Winter 1846-47
Like many thousands before them, the Donner’s had every reason to look forward to their journey when
they started out from Springfield, Illinois, in April of 1846. Countless wagon trains made the 2000-mile
trek from Illinois to the west in the 1840s. Most people suffered various hardships along the way but
managed to get over the Sierras and on to California in good health. Several other families joined up with
the Donner’s at Independence, Missouri, in May. George Donner, age 60, and his friend James F. Reed,
age 46, were chosen as the leaders. Most everything went smoothly until they decided to take Hastings'
Cut-off, a supposed shortcut. Ironically, this "shortcut" would cause disastrous delays and hardships as
the party had to hack a trail through the rough Wasatch Mountains in Utah and then cross an 80-mile
desert west of the Great Salt Lake. The journey normally took about six months, from April to
September. The Donner’s would not reach the Sierras until the end of October.
How the Donner party came to take Hastings' Cut-off was the first of a series of peculiar events
along their ill-fated journey. According to some accounts, on July 17, somewhere west of Ft. Laramie in
Wyoming, they met a man named Wales B. Bonney carrying an open letter from Lansford Hastings. The
letter encouraged travelers to take a recently discovered route to the south of the Great Salt Lake. The
route promised to be shorter, saving 350-400 miles. Supposedly it was mostly smooth, hard and level,
with no danger from Indians, and plenty of grass for the animals and wood for fires. Yes, there was a dry
stretch where fresh water would be scarce, but no worse than the usual route. It sounded promising.
The Donner party went on toward Fort Bridger, where they expected to find Hastings waiting. But
by the time they arrived the season was late and Hastings had already departed with a large wagon train,
leaving directions for any later groups who wished to follow his trail. The Donner party stocked up on
supplies, and four days later their group of nine families plus sixteen single men headed out on the last
day of July. A short distance outside Fort Bridger they came to a fork in the road. To the right led the old
road to Fort Hall; to the left were the wheel marks of Hastings' party on the new route. They went left.
Soon the country became mountainous, much worse even than the crossing of the Continental
Divide, and the road was barely passable. In some places the wheels had to be locked as the wagons slid
down narrow ravines and steep side-hills. Still they managed to continue. For days they followed
Hastings' wheel-tracks, at a rate of 10-12 miles a day; then the trail stopped when they reached the Red
Fork of the Weber River. Stuck on a bush was a note from Hastings. It warned anyone following him that
the route through Weber canyon was very bad. They were advised to set up camp and send a messenger
ahead to catch up with Hastings; then he would return and guide them across the mountains by way of a
better and shorter route. Reed and two others were appointed to go forward on horseback to overtake
Hastings. Five days later Reed returned, looking worse for the wear and riding a different horse. He
explained the ordeal it took to catch up with Hastings. The other two men had stayed with Hastings
because their horses were spent and Hastings could only spare one fresh mount. Hastings himself was
not coming back for them in spite of his promise in the note. On his way back, Reed had explored a route
through the canyon suggested by Hastings. The wagons could get through, he thought, but only with
great difficulty. The company had few options, none of them good. They voted unanimously to try Reed's
route.
Unceasing labor with axes, picks and shovels exhausted both body and spirit, but the determined
emigrants pushed on. By August 27 fear began to set in. In twenty-one days since reaching the Weber
River they had moved just 36 miles. Provisions were running low and time was against them. On August
29 they reached the spot were Reed had found Hastings three weeks earlier. Hastings' own party got
through without disaster. Most of the eighty or so people of the Donner party probably would have
managed, too, even with their problems, but their fate was sealed by the advance of a fierce winter storm,
unusually severe even for the Sierra Nevadas.
It took the party five days to cross the desert. Wagons, foundered axle deep in a quagmire of wet
salt and sand, had to be abandoned, and their Oxen died. On the far side of the desert, an inventory of
food was taken and found to be less than adequate for the 600 mile trek still ahead. That night,
ominously, snow powdered the mountain peaks. They reached the Humbolt River on September 26. The
diversion had cost them an extra one hundred and twenty-five miles. Nerves were shattered and fights
2. began to break out. James Reed killed the Graves family's teamster, John Snyder, (apparently in selfdefense) and was banished from the party. He left his family and rode on to California alone.
The party reached the base of the steep summit on October 31, just as snow was beginning to fall.
And although some in the group were able to reach the summit, they were forced to turn back as there
was no way the whole party could get through. Heavy snow continued falling overnight and by morning
the pass was completely blocked by snowdrifts over twenty feet high. They had come 2,500 miles in
seven months to lose their race with the weather by one day, only 150 miles from their destination of
Sutter's Fort (what is now Sacramento) in California.
Realizing that they were stranded, the main body erected cabins along Truckee Lake and a smaller
body that consisted of the Donner family and their hired men made a camp of tents several miles back on
the trail. Over the next four months, the remaining men, women, and children huddled together in
cabins, make shift lean-tos, and tents. The cattle had all been killed and eaten by mid-December; one
man had died of malnutrition. The people began to eat bark, twigs, and boiled hides.
Several attempts were made by small groups at crossing the mountains. One group of fifteen men,
women, and children did succeed in crossing the summit, but only seven of them survived to reach
Sutter's fort. Their arrival caused an outcry of alarm, and rescue attempts soon followed. By early
February, the first rescue party reached the lake encampments. The nightmare was by no means over at
that point, as it was as life threatening for the rescuers as for the rescued. Not everyone could be taken
out and since no pack animals could be brought in, sustaining supplies were few. Many people had
already died and some of the survivors left in the camps had begun to eat the dead. (It is believed that
about half of the survivors of the Donner party resorted to cannibalism, having held off for as long as they
could after their food was gone.)
Subsequent rescue efforts brought out the remaining survivors. There were more deaths at the
camps and some victims died on the torturous trip out of the mountains, the worst of which was done on
foot, as the snow was too deep for horses or mules. The last of the survivors reached Sutter's fort almost
exactly one year after their departure from Missouri. In the end, five had died before reaching the
mountains, thirty-four died either at the mountain camps or trying to cross the mountains, and one died
just after reaching the valley. Many who survived had lost toes to frostbite or were otherwise injured.
The last survivor was brought out in April. He and others were accused of bad conduct, cannibalism, and
even murder. The surviving members had different viewpoints, biases and recollections so the picture of
what happened is not clear.
George Donner and his wife died at the camp, along with his brother Jacob and Jacob's wife, and
most of the Donner children. James Reed, having safely reached Sutter's fort, led one of the rescue
parties. Reed's family survived. Other families included those of Patrick Breen (all of whom survived),
William Eddy, Franklin Graves, et al., many of whom died. In total, of the 87 men, women and children
in the Donner party, 46 survived, 41 died.
The story of the Donner tragedy quickly spread across the country. Newspapers printed letters and
diaries, along with wild tales of men and women who had gone mad eating human flesh. Emigration to
California fell off sharply and Hastings' cutoff was all but abandoned. Then, in January 1848, gold was
discovered in John Sutter's creek. By late 1849 more than 100,000 people had rushed to California to dig
and sift near the streams and canyons where the Donner party had suffered so much. In 1850 California
entered the union as the 31st state. Year by year, traffic over "Donner Pass" increased. Truckee Lake
became a tourist attraction and the terrible ordeals of the Donner party passed into history and legend.