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The Hard Road West: The Shortcut to Disaster

25 minutes 9 seconds

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A historically accurate reenactment of the ill-fated Donner Party as told by the survivors and recovered diaries. The Donner Party is behind schedule in their journey to California after taking the Hastings Cutoff. They are running low on supplies and begin to argue with one another. However, their greatest hardship is having to spend the winter in the Sierra Nevada. Of the 87 members of the party, 48 survive to reach California. Part two of “The Hard Road West” series.

Media Details

Runtime: 25 minutes 9 seconds

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Closeup of a man in a neckerchief and wide brimmed hat. Caption. Milt Elliot joined the party as James Reed's main ox driver.
The Hard Road West: The Story of the Donner Party
Episode 1
25 minutes 50 seconds
Grade Level: 6 - 12
Woman in pioneer costume sits at the edge of a covered wagon with children in pioneer costumes surrounding her. Caption. This scene made a woman of me.
The Hard Road West: The Story of the Donner Party
Episode 2
25 minutes 9 seconds
Grade Level: 6 - 12