Donner Lake
Quick Summary
Donner Lake is a lake in California, United States, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is famously associated with the Donner party, a group of American pioneers who became stranded near the lake in the winter of 1846-1847. Trapped by heavy snow, the party ran out of food, leading to extreme hardship and, reportedly, cannibalism among some survivors. This event marked the worst disaster of the overland migration to California. The lake and nearby Donner Pass are named in memory of the party's tragic ordeal.12
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Donner partyDonner Lake and Donner Pass, California, are named for the party.
Read MoreDonner Lake and Donner Pass, California, are named for the party.
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Donner partyStarvation and cannibalism…what is now known as Donner Lake. The Donners, whose progress was delayed by a wagon accident, made a similar camp a few miles farther east on the trail near Alder Creek. Eight days of almost continuous snow followed, during which time many of the oxen, the chief reserve of…
Read More…what is now known as Donner Lake. The Donners, whose progress was delayed by a wagon accident, made a similar camp a few miles farther east on the trail near Alder Creek. Eight days of almost continuous snow followed, during which time many of the oxen, the chief reserve of…
Read More