Donner Party Survival and Journey

The Donner Party, led by George Donner, embarked on a journey westward in 1846. Despite initial optimism, they faced significant challenges, including a fateful decision to take a shortcut that added miles to their journey. Trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada, they endured severe hardships, leading to cannibalism for survival. Rescue efforts eventually saved some, but the ordeal left a lasting legacy, with the pass renamed Donner Pass.

Who was the leader of the Donner Party during their westward journey?

• Tamsen Donner

• George Donner

• Ludwig Kesa Berg

• Philippine Kesa Berg

What was Tamsen Donner's profession before joining the wagon train?

• Trail Guide

• School Teacher

• Doctor

• Cook

What major obstacle did the Donner Party need to overcome before winter?

• The Rocky Mountains

• The Great Plains

• The Appalachian Mountains

• The Sierra Nevada

What was the name of the shortcut that George Donner decided to take?

• Hastings Cutoff

• California Trail

• Santa Fe Trail

• Oregon Trail

What was the actual impact of the Hastings Cutoff on the Donner Party's journey?

• It saved them 400 miles

• It added 100 miles

• It had no impact

• It shortened the journey by two weeks

What extreme measure did the Donner Party resort to for survival?

• Hunting wild animals

• Trading with Native Americans

• Cannibalism

• Fishing in nearby rivers

How long were the Donner Party stranded in the Sierra Nevada?

• Two months

• Three months

• Five months

• Six months

What was found with Ludwig Kesa Berg when the rescue parties arrived?

• A map of the trail

• A two-gallon kettle of human blood

• A stash of food supplies

• A journal of the journey

What was the fate of George Donner's body?

• It was found intact

• It was buried by the rescue team

• It was never found

• It was found with the skull split open

What significant discovery was made in the Sierra Nevada after the Donner Party's ordeal?

• A hidden valley

• A freshwater lake

• A large seam of gold

• A new trail