October 31 - Frozen Fate: The Dying Desperation of the Donner Party

Faith-Fueled Perseverance Through Life's Harshest Trials

This is the day the Donner Party, unable to cross a mountainous pass, constructed a fateful winter camp near Truckee Lake, now Donner Lake, in 1846.

In today's lesson, we explore the harrowing journey of the Donner Party and extract powerful lessons on perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. How can our faith sustain us through life's harshest trials? What spiritual growth can emerge from our deepest struggles?

On the Way to the Summit, illustration depicting members of the Donner party struggling in the Sierra Nevada in the winter of 1846–47.

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"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3 (NIV)

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This Date in History

As the sun set on October 31, 1846, the Donner Party faced a chilling decision. Trapped by early snowfall at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada, they chose to make camp near Truckee Lake (later known as Donner Lake), unaware that this choice would lead to one of the most harrowing tales of survival in American history.

The Donner Party was not a homogeneous group, but a collection of families and individuals drawn together by the promise of a better life in California. At its core were the Donner brothers, George and Jacob, prosperous farmers from Illinois who, despite their comfortable lives, yearned for the opportunities of the West. George, at 60, was leaving behind a life of relative ease, bringing along his third wife, Tamzene, and their children. Jacob, 56, traveled with his wife, Elizabeth, and their seven children.

James F. Reed, a 45-year-old businessman from Illinois, was another key figure. An immigrant from Ireland, Reed had built a successful furniture business but dreamed of greater prosperity in California. He traveled with his wife, Margaret, their four children, and his elderly mother-in-law.

The Graves family, headed by Franklin and his wife Elizabeth, brought nine children on the journey. Franklin, a Vermont native, had moved his family progressively westward, always seeking better farmland and opportunities. For them, California represented the ultimate promise of abundance.

These families were joined by the Murphys, Eddys, Breens, and others – a total of 87 individuals when they departed from Springfield, Illinois, in spring 1846, officially beginning their westward journey from Independence, Missouri, in May of that year. They were farmers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, all sharing a common dream of building new lives in the fertile valleys of California.

Their journey began with high spirits as they followed the well-trodden California Trail. However, troubles soon emerged. The wagons were overloaded with possessions, slowing their progress. Personality conflicts arose, exacerbated by the stress of the journey. James Reed, in particular, clashed with others due to his assertive nature and better-provisioned wagons.

A crucial mistake came at Fort Bridger in modern-day Wyoming. Here, the party decided to take the newly promoted Hastings Cutoff, a supposed shortcut to California. This decision was spurred by Lansford W. Hastings' guidebook, which promised a quicker passage but was tragically misinformed. The untested route, which Hastings himself had never actually taken with wagons, promised to shave hundreds of miles off their journey.

The Hastings Cutoff proved to be a disaster. It led the party first through the treacherous Wasatch Mountains, where they spent precious weeks cutting a path through dense forests. Then, they faced the unforgiving salt desert west of the Great Salt Lake, where they lost many cattle. These separate challenges consumed time and resources they couldn't afford to lose.

By the time they reached the Sierra Nevada in late October, the Donner Party was exhausted, their supplies depleted, and winter was fast approaching. On October 28, they encountered their first snowfall as they approached a formidable mountainous pass (later known as Donner Pass). Over the next few days, they struggled to make progress, but the snow continued to deepen.

On that fateful October 31, the party realized they could not cross the mountains before winter set in. They constructed crude cabins near Donner Lake, hoping to wait out the winter and resume their journey in spring. Little did they know that this winter camp would become a prison of cold and starvation for the next four months.

The winter of 1846-1847 was exceptionally severe. As food ran out, desperation set in. Some members resorted to eating hides, bones, and eventually, the flesh of those who had died. In mid-December, a group known as the "Forlorn Hope" set out on snowshoes to seek help. Of the 15 who left, only seven survived the harrowing journey to reach California and alert the authorities.

Multiple rescue attempts were launched in the following months. The first relief party reached the camp in February 1847, finding a horrific scene of death and desperation. Three more relief parties followed, each facing treacherous conditions to rescue the survivors. The sight that greeted the rescuers was horrific: many had perished, and the survivors were emaciated and traumatized.

Of the 87 members who began the journey, only 48 lived to reach California. The Donner Party's ordeal became a cautionary tale about the dangers of westward migration and the harsh realities of frontier life. Today, the site of their winter camp is preserved as the Donner Memorial State Park, a testament to the resilience and tragedy of these pioneers whose story continues to captivate and serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced during America's westward expansion.

Historical Context

The ill-fated journey of the Donner Party occurred at a crucial time in America's determined push westward in the mid-1800s. This era, defined by the concept of Manifest Destiny, saw thousands of pioneers venturing west, driven by dreams of new opportunities and better lives.

The 1840s marked a surge in westward migration, particularly to California and Oregon. This movement gained momentum due to a combination of factors: economic hardships in the East, the allure of fertile land in the West, and whispers of gold discoveries. The California Trail, established in the early 1840s, became a primary artery for these ambitious settlers, a lifeline stretching across the continent.

Politically, the United States was in a period of significant territorial expansion. The annexation of Texas in 1845 and the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846 reflected the nation's growing ambitions. These events coincided with increasing tensions between the North and South over issues of slavery and states' rights, foreshadowing the coming Civil War.

Technologically, America was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. While cities in the East were experiencing rapid industrialization, the western frontier remained largely undeveloped. This stark contrast made the journey west not just a physical challenge but a journey back in time to a more primitive way of life. The tools and knowledge that served pioneers well in settled areas often proved inadequate in the face of the harsh western landscape.

The concept of the American frontier as a space of opportunity and danger was deeply ingrained in the national psyche. Stories of pioneer hardships and triumphs circulated widely, both encouraging and cautioning potential migrants. The Donner Party's journey occurred at a time when the realities of westward expansion were beginning to temper the romantic notions of frontier life.

In the broader context of global migration, the westward movement in America was part of a larger trend of population shifts driven by industrialization, political changes, and the search for economic opportunities. While Europeans were migrating to America in large numbers, Americans themselves were undertaking their own internal migration, reshaping the demographic landscape of the continent.

James Frazier Reed and Margaret Keyes Reed, survivors of the Donner party.

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Did You Know?

While today’s schoolchildren remember the Donner Party primarily because of reported cannibalism, there were no documented incidents where members of the Donner Party killed someone for the purpose of consumption. There are disputed claims that two Native American guides, Salvador and Luis, were murdered by a member of the Forlorn Hope rescue group for the purpose of cannibalism, however there is no concrete evidence to support this. All other instances of reported cannibalism, though still disturbing, involved the consumption of individuals who had already succumbed to the harsh conditions.

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Today’s Reflection

The story of the Donner Party stands as a sobering testament to human endurance in the face of unimaginable adversity. As we reflect on their ordeal, we are confronted with a profound truth about the nature of faith and perseverance in our own lives.

When the Donner Party found themselves trapped by early snowfall, they faced a reality far removed from their dreams of prosperity in California. What began as a hopeful journey turned into a nightmare of cold, hunger, and desperation. In many ways, this mirrors the unexpected trials we encounter in our own faith journeys, where our plans may crumble, leaving us to navigate the harshest challenges.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." These words from James 1:2 (NIV) might seem difficult—almost harsh—when we're in the depths of suffering. Yet, they carry a deep spiritual truth. James is not asking us to be happy about our pain, but to recognize that within our trials lies the potential for growth. It is through suffering that God often shapes our character and strengthens our faith.

For the members of the Donner Party, each day brought new challenges: dwindling food supplies, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of death. Yet, despite these overwhelming circumstances, some persevered. They clung to hope and supported one another, taking extraordinary measures to survive. While the Donner Party's trials were extreme and far beyond what most of us are likely to face, their endurance still serves as a profound example of perseverance in the midst of hardship. However, as Christians, our endurance is not based on mere human willpower but on the strength we receive from God.

In our own lives, we may face trials that seem insurmountable: job loss, illness, grief, or even spiritual doubts that shake our faith to its core. Like the Donner Party in their makeshift camp, we might wonder how we can possibly go on. But it's in these moments of weakness that the words of James resonate most deeply.

"Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This is the heart of James's message. Our trials are not meaningless suffering; they are opportunities for our faith to be refined and strengthened. Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is purified by the challenges we endure—not by our own strength, but by relying on God's grace to carry us through.

The Donner Party's ordeal lasted four long months. For those who survived, the experience undoubtedly left deep scars, both physical and emotional. While their survival is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit, as Christians, we are called to a deeper truth: perseverance is not just about surviving hardship—it is about trusting God in the midst of it. Through every trial, we are invited to rely on His strength, knowing that He is with us in our suffering.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) offers further insight into this transformative journey from suffering to hope: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." This passage reminds us that our perseverance, grounded in God's love, is not in vain. It leads us to a hope that will not disappoint.

As we face our own trials, let us remember that perseverance is not just about enduring hardship, but about the work God is doing within us through those hardships. Our challenges, painful as they are, have the potential to deepen our relationship with God, strengthen our character, and lead us to a hope that is firm and secure. James concludes his teaching by saying that through perseverance, we may become "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:4).

In the end, the story of the Donner Party is not just about survival against the odds. It reminds us that the human spirit, when pushed to its limits, can endure incredible hardships. But as Christians, we have an even greater source of strength—our faith in a God who promises to be with us in every trial. May we, like those early pioneers, press on through our difficulties, but with the confidence that God's sustaining grace is producing a hope that will not disappoint.

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Practical Application

Reflect on a current challenge in your life. Write down three ways this trial might be shaping your character or deepening your faith. Then, create a simple daily affirmation based on James 1:2-3 to remind yourself of the purpose behind your struggles. Finally, reach out to someone you know who's facing difficulties and share an encouraging word about perseverance, drawing from what you've learned today.

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering presence in our lives, even in the midst of our greatest trials. Help us to persevere through the challenges we face, knowing that You are refining our faith and shaping our character. Grant us the strength to endure, the wisdom to learn from our struggles, and the hope that comes from trusting in Your perfect plan. May our perseverance be a testament to Your grace and a light to others who are suffering. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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Supplementary Study

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

This verse reminds us that our current trials, no matter how difficult, are temporary in light of eternity and are producing something of great value in us.

Romans 8:18 (NIV)

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

This passage encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that our current trials pale in comparison to the future glory God has prepared for us.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

This verse uses the metaphor of a race to illustrate the importance of perseverance in our faith journey, encouraging us to stay focused and endure.

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Final Thoughts

The Donner Party's harrowing journey reminds us that life often presents unexpected and severe challenges. As believers, we're called not just to endure these trials, but to view them through the lens of faith. Our perseverance, rooted in God's strength, can transform our darkest moments into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on Him. May we face our own "winters" with unwavering trust, knowing that God is with us and is working all things for our good and His glory.

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Community Engagement

Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.

1. What aspects of the Donner Party's story do you find most striking or memorable?

2. How has a past trial in your life produced perseverance or strengthened your faith?

3. In what ways can we support and encourage fellow believers who are going through difficult times?

4. How might viewing our trials as opportunities for growth change our approach to challenging situations?

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In tomorrow's lesson, we'll uncover a hidden message within one of the world's most famous works of art. How might this centuries-old masterpiece challenge us to grow in our faith and understanding of God's gifts?

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Bonus - Did You Know?

• James F. Reed, a key member of the party, was banished after a dispute led to the death of another traveler, but he later returned to help rescue the survivors.

• Tamzene Donner, wife of George Donner, chose to stay with her dying husband rather than leaving with the final rescue party, sacrificing her life.

• Among the survivors was a 1-year-old boy named Lewis Keseberg Jr., who lived to the age of 87, passing away in 1930.

• Despite the tragedy, some survivors went on to lead successful lives. Virginia Reed, who was 12 during the ordeal, became a well-known speaker and writer about the Donner Party experience.

• The Donner Party's campsite was located at what is now the Donner Memorial State Park, which includes a museum and a statue commemorating the pioneers.

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Additional Resources

• Desperate Passage: The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West - Ethan Rarick

• The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny - Michael Wallis

• The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party - Daniel James Brown

• History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra - C.F. McGlashan

• Donner Party - Wikipedia

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