Bartleson–Bidwell Party

In the winter of 1840, the Western Emigration Society was founded in Missouri, with 500 pledging to trek west into Mexican California.

The Bartleson-Bidwell party separated from Fitzpatrick, and the missionary group, at Soda Springs on 11 Aug.[1]: 8–12 The western Emigration Society had resolved to follow the route suggested by Dr. John Marsh.

With evidence that the Russians, French and English were preparing to seize the province, he determined to make it a part of the United States.

[5][6] Marsh's recommended route, the California Trail, was based on the prior experiences of Jedediah Smith, Peter Skene Ogden, and Joseph R. Walker.

[7][1]: 8–15 According to Doyce Nunis, "...the Bidwell-Bartleson party had successfully made the first planned overland emigrant journey to California, bearing with courage and great fortitude the vicissitudes of their ordeal.

The Bartleson-Bidwell Party ended its journey at the ranch of John Marsh (at his invitation). He fed them, housed them and assisted in their getting settled. His house still stands, and is now part of Marsh Creek State Park .