LEGENDS OF THE OLD WEST | Frontier Tragedy Ep1 - Donner Party, Part 1

LEGENDS OF THE OLD WEST presented by Black Barrel Media. In 1846 in Springfield, Illinois, the Donner family teams up with the Reed family to form the core of a caravan that will travel to the rich farmland of California. The problem is, they’re already late. They soon discover that they’re among the very last travelers to begin the journey to the West, and the hardships begin almost immediately.
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[@Dive-Deeper]

Truly, this is the best storytelling channel on TH-cam. Wish you had a million subs.

[@terrysoule8441]

It was a great uncle of mine, Elisha Stephens, leader of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy party that crossed the Sierras first with the guidance of Chief Truckee, who named Truckee lake and Truckee river. That party survived some of the same as the Donner party, but not as well known. The Stevens creek area of San Jose is named after Elisha Stephens.

[@azdrone233]

That’s crazy. He was my great uncle as well

[@chicagogyrl4846]

Why did they leave so late??! They know Damn well that it’s sweltering hot in the summer, especially out West!! These people were just all stupid.

[@chicagogyrl4846]

I would never attempt to travel so far in a covered wagon!! What if there is an accident, and you are in the middle of nowhere??! No, thanks!!

[@josephbrown4768]

I'm a massive fan of the Donner Party. Very interesting piece of history. Looking forward to this episode!

[@bryan565656]

You should join Oregon California trails association. They have a wealth of information.

[@KJV_bibleteaching]

The best documentary I've watched. Super easy to follow. Fantastic details. Simple narration, no fancy videos to distract. This is a 5-stsr listen.

[@chicagogyrl4846]

Why the hell would Abe Lincoln go there??! 😂🤣

[@Dan-mm1yl]

🤫

[@eugenehart4246]

You have certainly done your homework, and turned the Donner Party story into a highly interesting and understandable event in American history.I also noticed you mostly stay away from controversial events that have been perpetuated for decades, which I particularly like. Between you and a book I have recently read "Salt and Snow", many parts of the story are filled in by one or the other's research, or have left it open for further discussion. Keep up the good work!

[@refuge42]

I have listened to half a dozen documentaries on the Donner party, and read books and articles but this documentary has told me four new things I did not know first and foremost that Abraham Lincoln was Reed's lawyer! I know that Lincoln lived in Springfield and was a lawyer and that they were blocks away, I didn't know anything about Reed's economic distress and creditors vis-a-vis lincoln. Or the competition hunting for food episode I can't wait to listen to this entire series so far I'm gonsmacked❤

[@VelveteenRabbitinRedFern]

Best, most informative version I have heard of this story. Thank you! I did not like history in school, b/c it was boring and not relatable, but you changed that for me about this story that the PBS show about this history scared the shat out of me when I saw it on tv several years ago.

[@chicagogyrl4846]

So these people did not have any experience traveling, but they go on a trip across the U.S. 😂🤣

[@chicagogyrl4846]

These people are already way behind, so why do they stop to sightsee??! 😂🤣

[@GeeJayO1022]

Please please if you ever need advice please do one on John Brown he was awesome and there isn’t anything of note online

[@chicagogyrl4846]

What the hell were two old men going to do in California??! 😂🤣

[@HorseWaterDrink]

One of my most favorite channels 👍

[@travishendrix7026]

I cannot express how much i like your videos.
I love history and your story telling is well done.

[@psalmsurfer1]

Lived in Tahoe Donner early 90s..Truckee etc beautiful place..2nd home to me

[@alitlweird]

Love Truckee! And Virginia City, Tahoe, all of it!

[@halenwoodstudios6672]

From Virgina City here 💕

[@rebcotton3679]

I love to hear you guys do a series on Sutton Taylor feud!

[@marccru]

Pleasant Valley War, too

[@rebcotton3679]

@@marccru they have that

[@MicahBell_1860]

I'll go rhythm

[@ryannafe9252]

Micha is the worst. I wish you could hit him while playing as Arthur.

[@MicahBell_1860]

While your ignorance is strong@@ryannafe9252 you are entitled to your opinion