The Donner Party left Illinois in April 1846. Hoping to reach California by covered wagon before winter, they decided to take a brand new short cut. This short cut proved disastrous, and led to much hardship and horror when the group was snowed in for the winter in the Sierra mountains. In this first part of the episode, we discuss the journey leading up to that short cut and the trials they faced while taking it. Become a Patron: bit.ly/morbidpatron Buy Us a Book: bit.ly/morbidwishlist

The Donner Party, Part 1

A history podcast for the morbidly curious. From serial killers to ghosts, ancient remains to obscure medical conditions, let us satisfy your curiosity.

(Some episodes may not be appropriate for children. Listener discretion is advised.)

History

Society & Culture

Social Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

The 1870s were a rough time in Kansas. Travelers and settlers on the frontier struggled against the odds to make even a modest living. The Bender family had a unique method of survival: murder. CW: forced relocation, murder of adults and children, suicide

The Bloody Benders

CW: Torture, Rape, Execution, Racism, Self-Harm, and Suicide Colonial Australia was used by the British to house prisoners in the late 1800s. Pentridge Prison began as a stockade in 1851 and grew into one of the most infamous prisons in Victoria, both for its size and the brutality of the punishments suffered by its inmates.

Pentridge Prison

Have you ever wondered why paranormal investigators use certain devices to detect ghosts? It all has to do with theories about what ghosts are. In this episode, we explore theories about ghosts throughout history. Is there room for the possibility that they exist? Maybe.

Ghost Theory

Often called the Dyatlov Pass Incident of the 70s, the Chivruay Pass Tragedy has similar elements: 10 students go hiking in the snowy Russian mountains and are later found frozen to death. They also share a cloud of mystery and intrigue that may or may not be true. 

The Chivruay Tragedy

For this winter holiday special, Hallie dives into the folklore of Iceland to talk about the terrifying creatures of midwinter. Who are they, what are their origins , and what has become of them in the modern era?

The Donner Party, Part 1

Download our free app to listen on your phone