Donner Hill Historical Marker

Can you imagine a shortcut turning into a deadly detour? Right here at the Donner Hill Historical Marker, we uncover the story of a fateful decision. The Donner-Reed party, lured by Lansford Hastings’ promise of a shorter route to California, arrived at this very spot on August 23, 1846. Donner Hill Historical Marker tells the tale of their grueling journey. They had spent 16 days forging a 36-mile road through the Wasatch Mountains. They reached this narrow canyon mouth, blocked by dense brush and formidable boulders. Exhausted, they chose to force their oxen up the steep hill before you. Twelve-year-old Virginia Reed later recounted the struggle. Almost every yoke of oxen was needed to pull each of their 23 wagons up Donner Hill. The exhausted oxen needed rest, but time was running out. The Donner-Reed party pressed on toward the Salt Flats. There, many oxen perished, causing critical delays. These delays led to the Donner Party’s tragic fate in the Sierra Nevada. Donner Hill Historical Marker also marks another important moment. Just a year later, on July 22, 1847, Brigham Young’s pioneer party arrived here. They followed the Donner-Reed trail, benefiting from the arduous work done the previous year. William Clayton documented their encounter with the infamous hill. They debated how to overcome the obstacle. A shorter route through the brush was found. After four hours of labor, a passable road was created. The Donner Party’s shortcut became a hard lesson for future travelers. Virginia Reed’s advice to other emigrants echoed the sentiment: “Hurry along as fast as you can, and never take no shortcuts.” The Donner Hill Historical Marker stands as a testament to the hardships of westward expansion. It is a reminder that sometimes the shortest path can lead to the longest journey.