Forlorn Hope

Probably the best-known story of courage and struggle for survival in the American West is that of the Donner Party. A group of 87 ill-fated pioneers set out for California in 1846. After attempting to follow a short cut, they were trapped by a series of massive storms in the winter of 1847 near Truckee Lake in Northern California. This dramatic and horrifying tale provides a new focus on an old story -- that of the Eddy Family. William Eddy was the leader of the group of 17 who made the final attempt to get over the pass and bring back help. This ordeal included unbelievable fatigue, starvation, and cannibalism.