Consider, of course, the definition of 'doomed.' In 1846, several families left the Midwest in pursuit of the California Dream. Eventually, George Donner would be named their leader, and they would follow the Hastings Cutoff for a quick shortcut west. The rest is history.

Of the 87 travelers, 48 will survive, mostly women & children. All will encounter incredible hunger, fear, and destitution before they reach California. Join us as we tell the stories of these families who risked everything for a better life.

(There is also cannibalism, don't worry.) 

• The Indifferent Stars Above Daniel James Brown
  • https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-indifferent-stars-above-the-harrowing-saga-of-a-donner-party-bride_daniel-james-brown/352874/item/10276420/?
• Last Podcast on the Left
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-331-the-donner-party-part-i-salt-of-the-earth/id437299706?i=1000419328989
• petticoatsandpistols.com
• westfield-chorustrust.org
• donnerpartydiary.com

Join our Founders Club on Patreon to get ad-free episodes for life! 

patreon.com/DoomedtoFailPod

We would love to hear from you! Please follow along! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doomedtofailpod/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doomedtofailpod  

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@doomedtofailpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doomed.to.fail.pod 

Email: [email protected]