The Expedition of the Donner Party and its Tragic Fate

"The Expedition of the Donner Party and its Tragic Fate" by Eliza P. Donner Houghton is a historical narrative from the early 1900s, telling the story of the Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who traveled to California in 1846, dreaming of a better future, but instead faced terrible suffering when they got trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The story includes firsthand memories, offering a special point of view as the author, who survived as a child, remembers her family's experiences within the bigger picture of westward expansion. Her memories recount the story of her father, George Donner, and the early days of the party. It paints a picture of the time, describing the pioneers' dreams as they started their adventure, while also hinting at the dark times to come as they struggled with bad weather, little food, and tough choices. Houghton's touching memories mix personal and group experiences, setting the scene for a strong story of how people survived against all odds.