Page 4 - Death in the Donner Party: A Cause-and-Effect Investigation

tHe Pass 2

CLOses

The Donner Party had been told the

Hastings Cutoff saved 350 to 400 miles
(560 to 640 km). But it turned out to be
125 miles (200 km) longer. It cost the Donner Party about a month
of travel time.
Hastings and his wagon train had already arrived in California.
The other California-bound pioneers, including the Russell Party,
arrived in early September. But the Donner Party lagged far behind.
The wagon train was struggling. Another desert crossing took
its toll on the emigrants and their animals. The oxen had grown

scrawny. Some had collapsed. Others were stolen and killed by
American Indians.

To reach California, the Donner Party
had to pass through the Sierra Nevada.

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