USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The party was trapped by exceptionally heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada, and, when food ran out, some members of the group reportedly resorted to cannibalism of those already dead. It was the worst disaster of the overland migration to California. Donner Lake and Donner Pass, California, are named for the party.

Detailed explanation-2: -Led by brothers Jacob and George Donner, the group attempted to take a new and supposedly shorter route to California. They soon encountered rough terrain and numerous delays, and they eventually became trapped by heavy snowfall high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Detailed explanation-3: -Economic difficulties and dreams of Manifest Destiny were contributing factors for most of these travelers in deciding to set out on what would become a challenging voyage. The promise of free land and a better climate drew the James Reed and George and Jacob Donner families to travel the California Trail.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Donner Party, sometimes called the Donner–Reed Party, was a group of American pioneers who migrated to California in a wagon train from the Midwest. Delayed by a multitude of mishaps, they spent the winter of 1846–1847 snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.