Westward Expansion In The 1800's

During the mid 1800’s, Westward Expansion dramatically increased and permanently shaped the United States of America. The Gold Rush, trade with Japan, and the end of the Mexican War lead people to travel to the west coast. Many people gained freedom and opportunity by coming to America in the mid 1800’s; however, others encountered misfortunes along the way. The Donner Party traveled to the West Coast in hopes of creating a better life. The Mormons Pioneers traveled west to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although their experiences differed, the Donner Party and the Mormon Pioneers faced two of the worst tragedies during Westward Expansion. Hopes of new opportunity encouraged many people in America to travel westward. In mid-April, 1846, 32 people packed up their belongings, left Illinois and headed west towards Sutter’s Fort (The Tragic Fate of the Donner Party). The men in charge of the expedition were James Reed and George Donner. The party is more popularly known as …show more content…
The party reached Fort Bridger July, 28. This is where the trail split into two parts. The Donner Party chose to travel Lansford Hasting’s route and left Fort Bridger July, 31. The party reached Weber River August 6, accompanied by two more wagon parties. There were 89 people, and a little over 20 wagons; This would be the largest amount of people that would travel with the Donner Party (Johnson). Lansford Hastings wasn’t far ahead of the Donners. James Reed traveled ahead to speak with Hastings after reading a message left for travelers near the river advising to turn around. The group took the advice and traveled the new route, but “had to carve a fresh road through thick trees and boulder-strewn ground” (Johnson). The Donner Party began to face grave problems at this point. Another member died of tuberculosis, wagons were getting stuck in wet sand, and food rations were running short. They still had nearly 600 miles to go before reaching Sutter’s