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Across the Plains in the Donner Party & History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra 180th Anniversary Commemorative Omnibus Edition - Two Landmark Works in One Volume (Paperback & eBook) In 1846, a group of pioneers heading for California became trapped in the snowbound Sierra Nevada. What followed was one of the most harrowing and tragic episodes in the history of westward expansion: the story of the Donner Party. This special 180th anniversary edition brings together for the first time the two most important and enduring accounts of the tragedy - offering readers a complete picture of the journey, the suffering, and the legacy left behind. Book One: Across the Plains in the Donner Party by Virginia Reed Murphy Written by one of the youngest survivors of the expedition, this deeply personal memoir recounts the journey with a clear and compelling voice. Virginia Reed was just twelve years old when her family joined the party, and her recollections-first published decades later-capture both the innocence of youth and the emotional scars of survival. Her account is a powerful piece of American literature that speaks to sacrifice, resilience, and the complexity of memory. Book Two: History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra by C.F. McGlashan First published in 1879, this is the first comprehensive historical investigation into the events of the Donner Party. McGlashan interviewed survivors, collected letters, and examined newspaper accounts to reconstruct the journey with journalistic rigor. Far more than a sensational narrative, his work seeks to correct myths, honor the dead, and preserve the lessons of the past for future generations. Together, these two works present a dual-lens portrait of the Donner Party-one from within, and one from without. The result is a definitive collection that honors those who lived the experience and those who sought to preserve it for history. Why This Edition Matters: With the 180th anniversary approaching in 2027, interest in the Donner Party and westward expansion is set to rise. This edition provides the most complete and accessible compilation available-ideal for students, researchers, and general readers. Beyond the story of starvation and survival, this is a chronicle of the American spirit: of what people hope for, endure, and remember.

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9781967659036

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Virginia Elizabeth Backenstoe was born June 28, 1833 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, the daughter of Lloyd Backenstoe and Margaret Keyes.[1] Her father died when she was an infant, and her mother remarried. She was the half-sister to Martha J. (Reed) Lewis, James F. Reed Jr, Thomas K. Reed, Charles C. Reed and Willianoski Y. Reed.The Reed family was part of the ill-fated Donner Party which was trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a snowstorm in 1846 while emigrating to California. They suffered extreme hardship. The survivors resorted to consuming human flesh to stay alive. Virginia's stepfather was banished from the wagon train after killing a teamster in the Wattach Mountains during a dispute. [2]Virginia wrote an extensive account of the trip which was published in Century Magazine. C.F. McGlashan was a local luminary in Truckee. He was a newspaper publisher, businessman, historian, lawyer, and public servant. His book, The History of the Donner Party, was one of the first to detail the infamous episode. McGlashan spent a lot of time researching a thorough fact-based story using newspaper articles, diaries, interviews, and survivors' manuscripts. It appeared in print 33 years after the events. Ross Allen Rojek is a historian, editor, and publisher dedicated to preserving and revitalizing California's rich literary and historical heritage. As the co-founder and editorial director of Capital Books and Capital Books Press in Sacramento, California, Ross leads a team that brings forgotten voices and essential primary sources back into public view, with a particular focus on California history and culture. He is instrumental in republishing classic works such as The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate and History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra, providing historical context and educational tools for modern readers.

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