What happened at Donner Pass?

A Donner Party member murdered two people for use as food. The Indians were then butchered and eaten by the hikers. It was the only time during the entire winter that people were murdered for use as food.

How many people were eaten in the Donner party?

Now a new book analyzing one of the most spectacular tragedies in American history reveals what the 81 pioneers ate before resorting to eating each other in a desperate attempt to survive.

How long does it take to drive through Donner Pass?

about an hour and a half
From South Lake Tahoe, Donner Pass is about 50 miles and takes about an hour and a half to reach.

Is Donner Pass open right now?

Interstate 80 over Donner Summit is open year-round, but conditions on the pass in the winter often cause temporary closures.

Did anyone from the Donner Party survive?

In the end, 41 people died and 46 survived. Five perished before reaching the Sierras, 35 died at the camps or attempting to cross the mountains, and one died just after reaching the valley at the foot of the western slope.

What is the Donner Pass famous for?

Did you know? Donner Pass, in the Sierra Nevada of northern California, is named for the Donner party. The pass now represents the most important transmontane route (rail and highway) connecting San Francisco with Reno. It lies within Tahoe National Forest, and Donner Memorial State Park is nearby.

Did anyone from the Donner party survive?

Who saved the Donner Party?

Unknown/Wikimedia CommonsJames and Margaret Reed managed to survive the Donner Party disaster with their four children. In the spring of 1847, the last rescue party finally reached the desperate remains of the Donner Party.

How high is Sonora pass?

2,933 m
Sonora Pass/Elevation

How high is the Donner Summit?

2,151 m
Donner Pass/Elevation

Are Chains required on I 80 Donner Pass?

Where are chains required? Chains are most often required in the higher mountain passes of northern California, such as Interstate 5 north of Redding, Interstate 80 over Donner Pass between Sacramento and Reno, Nevada, and US Highway 50 over Echo summit between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.

How can I donate with a donor pass?

If you plan on donating today and would like to use DonorPass, please begin by clicking here. Once completed, you will print your DonorPass, which has encrypted barcodes similar to a printed airline boarding pass, and bring it with you to your donation.

Where is the Donner Pass in Northern California?

Location in California. Donner Pass (el. 7,056 ft (2,151 m)) is a mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada, above Donner Lake about 9 miles (14 km) west of Truckee, California.

Who was the first person to use Donner Pass?

In 1844 the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party followed the Truckee River into the mountains. At the head of what is now called Donner Lake, they found a low notch in the mountains and became the first overland settlers to use the pass.

Is the road from Truckee to Donner Pass worth it?

The road from Truckee with an overlook puts the stories of the pioneers in perspective. Well worth the extra time heading back toward the west. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I drive over Donner Pass whenever visiting family. The views are gorgeous.