@WyomingTraveler
Another great video. The emigrant Trail is filled with stories of one disaster after another. The Donner party is probably the most famous, but only one of the many. I enjoyed the way you were telling the story and such a casual manner. I cannot wait to hear the ending.
@gorfpatrol2073
I've hiked to the top of independence rock,, those old carvings are amazing ..and west of reno,, what a sight...
@sweettea5329
I love this channel. Hopefully it grows exponentially.
@davidmalone9022
I think that all of the actions by James Reed after he is banished make the argument that Snyder's death was a "homicide" is a real push. The fact that the accounts are mixed, combined with Reed's incredible efforts to rescue not only his family, but all the emigrants that were stranded, would suggest that Reed, in historical accounts, deserves the benefit of the doubt. In fact, I have found that the legacy of the Donner/Reed party (obviously, that of cannibalism,) while understandable, is unfortunate. In my mind, the real legacy should be the contrast between those who acted selflessly (Tamzene Donner, most notably) and those who acted egregiously in their own self interest (Keseberg and Foster, for example.)
@rickster958
It is terrific to see a channel dedicated to detailed Western history.
@RichM0410
YOUTUBE algorithm brought your channel to my attention. Have watched a couple of your videos and are very interesting! Thank you for your efforts and sharing. Your voice and description are excellent. No brainer to subscribe. 👍
@JohnnyButtons
Our modern generations can’t even imagine the hardships of early settlers. They were hard people.
@BureauKat
Your video is the only I’ve found that puts the Donner story in perspective.
@MANNYREFRESH
Great storyteller, I’m intrigued!
@p51nion
Thanks. Stimulates more individual study. Much appreciated.
@ElkoJohn
Much obliged.
@Firstname137
Some extra details to this The "desert" isn't just a plain desert, its the Salt Flats. People to this day die on there when they wander off and their vehicle gets stuck, it gets ridiculously hot in the day and freezing at night. Ive been there plenty of times. Hastings cut off added about 30 days to their trip. The 2 indians "guides" Luis and Salvador were "given" to the party, Sutters Fort had been described as being in a complete state of slavery as the peoples homes were also burned as a means to make them work harder. Mr.Wolfinger was murdered by Renhart and Spitzer for his valuables and they blamed the indians. Luis and Salvador were also murdered and Cannibalized. The Donner party also decided to take a week to rest right before they tried to go through the Sierras, if memory serves right they were told not to because it looked like it was going to snow
@Unkle_elroy
I love the Oregon Trail game scenes!
@NocturnalDirtPeople
Just found your channel. Love it already. I love history and I love The West.
@andreag7822
Thank you for this and part 2. I’ve just finished reading C F McGlashan’s book, which brought me here. A good follow up to the book.
@stevewixom9311
Fantastic video. loved hearing the day to day trials and tribulations they went thru all the while knowing that what they were going thru was going to be the "easy part".
@annalisette5897
These are excellent videos! It seems these people would have done better dropping altitude and wintering in Nevada.
@stephengreene1856
I don't think there's ever been a time,that I wasn't fascinated by the Donner Party story,I've seen a lot of documentaries,read several books But I like the narration you are doing here.
@culloden23
I’ve been to the California Interpretative Center outside of Elko. It’s across from where the Hastings Cutoff comes out of the mountains. They have a very creepy and unsettling presentation about the Donners. Highly recommend!!
@gregdavis19