Donner Memorial State Park
See some of the tall tree trunks still standing which had been cut off during the winter of 1846-'47 and used by the Donner Party at this state park location on Donner Lake.
The Donner Party
Daniel M. Rosen compiled daily logs of the Donner Party's journey for the 150th anniversary in 1997. The logs were taken from diaries, letters and other first-hand accounts as well as the added perspectives of historians.
Daniel Lewis has researched and created this informative site telling the story of the Donner Party and what happened to the 90 emigrants heading for California.
The Donner Party: General Roster
A brief summary along with a list of participants.
The Donner Party
The American Experience presents a PBS Special on the tragic Donner Party.
The Donner Party PBS Transcript
Transcript of the PBS special, American Experience.
A detailed account of the Donner party being stranded and rescued near Truckee, CA, during the winter of 1846-47.
Biographical accounts of each member of the Donner party expedition, including some photographs.
Tracking the Donner Party: Tracing a Terrible Trail
Sunset Magazine article describing the locations of the Donner Party journey over Donner Pass. Written in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the winter of 1846-47.
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Diary of Patrick Breen
Includes a photograph of an actual diary page.
Donner Party Bibliographical Resources
Numerous sources for further research.
James Reed Diary- 1847
Diary notations kept by James Reed covering the rescue attempts.
Relief of the Donner Party
Statement of Daniel Rhoads who helped provide provisions and relief for the unfortunate emigrants of the Donner Party.
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All About the Oregon Trail
Why was the Oregon Trail so important? What really happened along the way? Discover all about the Oregon Trail from these many resources.
Discoverers and Explorers of the Oregon Trail
Who really found the Oregon Trail? What kinds of people were they?
The Oregon Trail
Learn all about the trail, discover historic sites, explore fantastic facts, and read trail diaries and books.
Fantastic Facts About the Oregon Trail
Strange and unusual happenings along the trail.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Learn more about this one-time military outpost which became the supply station for those travelling West to Oregon, Utah, and California.
Looking at Overland Trail
Information about the Overland Trail with maps and first-person accounts of those who used this route to journey West.
National Frontier Trails Center
From Independence, Missouri, follow the pioneer trails to the West.
North Platte River Crossing
The North Platte River was a welcome sight for those traveling west. How did they get across?
Opening of the California Trail
Trails of Hope: Overland Diaries and Letters, 1846- 1869 presents this resource describing the establishment of the California Trail.
Oregon- California Trails Assn
The OCTA is an active organization working to preserve historic trails.
Oregon-Trail Diaries
Numerous letters and diaries written as first-person accounts by those who travelled along the famed Oregon trail.
Oregon Trail Historical Sites
Links to historic sites in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Oregon, and Washington.
The Overland Trail
This trail is part of the historic Millennium Trail which is designated as an historic site to preserve and honor the memory of those who made a commitment to unite and connect the nation's lands and peoples.
PBS The West Archives
Resources on the Old West from PBS.
Salt Lake Desert
Facts about the Great Salt Lake and the Salt Lake Desert, two landmarks that pioneers traveling this route passed on their way to California.
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