Donner Party timeline

The following timeline provides an almost day-to-day basic description of events directly associated with the 1846 Donner Party pioneers, covering the journey from Illinois to California—2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers), over the Great Plains, two mountain ranges, and the deserts of the Great Basin.

There were 87 emigrants in the Donner Party, plus Luis and Salvador, two California Indians who joined them in Nevada, for a total of 89 people.

Of the 89, a net of 81 people were trapped in the mountains, due to additions and departures from the group during the journey.

* Luis and Salvador were not among the original 87 emigrants; their deaths bring the total number up to 42.

However, as Sarah Keyes died early in the journey, she is not always included in the death toll, bringing the number of deaths to 41.

Plaque commemorating Donner Party in Springfield, Illinois . Placed by the Children of the American Revolution .
location of Independence Missouri, where the Donners and Reeds arrived on May 10, 1846
location of Independence Missouri, where the Donners and Reeds arrived on May 10, 1846