The Donner Party Forty-six survivors of the original 87 reached California hungry, tired and traumatized for life by the experience they had just lived through. A year of suffering was spent in a time that was thought to have been only a few months of easy travel on a shortcut traveled by a man named Lance Hatings. The trip began May 12 from Springfield, Illinois. A train of nine cars, filled with members of the Donner and Reed families, set out in hopes of reaching California for a free land and a new life. The families had heard about a route that would take them to this great new country, saving 350-400 miles off their planned trip. It seemed like a good idea to follow Hastings' example if his promise of a shorter, easier journey held true. The first part of the journey went as smoothly as expected and they reached Fort Laromy on June 27. There, a man named James Climan thought the shortcut Hastings devised was impractical. He thought the old method was safer. But Reed, the group's leader, did not follow the advice. George Donner was elected party leader, although Reed was obviously the best person for the job. The shortcut was supposed to take 350-400 miles off the original route. In fact it was 125 miles longer. On 6 August a note was left from Hastings saying the party should not continue. However, the group did not heed the warning. They kept going and soon resumed their journey...