Wagons & Migration
Wagons were about the size of a _____.
Mini-van
What year did the STM party come west?
1844
When are the historical tours offered currently?
How many wagons did the Donner Party start with?
9
Where was the Donner family camped? What did they camp in?
At Alder Creek in tents.
4-6
About how long were STM stranded at DMSP?
3 months
What is the cost to park during the winter? During the summer?
May 1 - September 30: $10/9 Seniors - per vehicle.
October 1 - April 30: $5/4 Seniors - per vehicle.
Who published a guide to bring people west, and what was it called?
Lansford Hastings "Emigrants Guide to Oregon and CA"
When did the Donners reach DMSP?
Oct. 31
Our wagon's wheel in the museum has a red ribbon tied around a spoke. What's the purpose of that ribbon?
The ribbon was used to track mileage. Kids would count the revolutions of the ribbon.
How many members did the STM party start with and then end with?
50/52
When months/holidays does camping open and close in the park?
Memorial Day (May 31) to Labor Day (Sept. 6)
How many rescue parties came for the Donners and how many months were the Donners stranded?
3 rescue, 1 recovery party. 4 months.
How many folks were stranded at DMSP? How many at the other camp?
60/20
Name 3 reasons why oxen were chosen to pull the wagons instead of horses.
Cheaper, would eat anything, strong, taste better
What did the STM route avoid, that was run by a crook who wanted the Donner Party's money?
Fort Bridger
What four places are dogs not allowed in the park?
Not allowed: China Cove, designated ski trails when snow is present, visitor center, and on the half-mile Nature Trail.
Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake (except for China Cove Beach). Dogs must always remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash.
How many members and wagons did the Donners have in their party when they hit the Wasatch and how many survived in the end
?
87 members and 60-80 wagons. 45 survived.
What is our stance on cannibalism?
We say "it has not been scientifically proven", however, many diaries of survivors and rescuers talk about it.
Name 4 common reasons why people chose to migrate west.
To escape: disease, religious persecution, bad economy
For: adventure, manifest destiny
Where is the approximate location of the cabin that was built by the STM Party and who was it built for?
Location: Pioneer Monument
For: Moses Schallenberger
Oh man! I can't make any of the historical in-person tours! Is there anywhere I can watch a historic presentation online by DMSP staff? (name 3 ways)
-PORTS
-Facebook in our Exhibits album (and eventually the website)
-Home Learning Programs
Name 5 mistakes that contributed to the tragedy of the Donner Party.
started late, slowed by obstacles, ran out of food before end of journey, ignored advice to not take route, Jim Bridger deception, not traveling with mountain man, Hastings Cut-off, Great Salt Lake Desert crossing taking longer than expected, caught in early snowstorm
What is the name of the group that left DMSP to find help, how many were in the group, and how many days did it take them to stumble into a Miwok Village?
Forlorn Hope, 17 members, 33 days