Site information:

Donner Memorial State Park, on Donner Pass Rd, Truckee

Plaque and site are part of a state park. Access limited to hours of operation.

39.323833,-120.231072

Plaque information:

Multiple private plaques, the one cited here is on the main, large monument

Plaque text:

Donner Party

Near this spot stood the Breen cabin of the party of emigrants who started for California from Springfield, Illinois, in April 1846, under the leadership of Captain George Donner. Delays occurred and when the party reached this locality, on October 29, the Truckee Pass Emigrant Road was concealed by snow. The height of the shaft of the monument indicates the depth of the snow, which was twenty-two feet. After futile efforts to cross the summit the party was compelled to encamp for the winter. The Graves cabin was situated about three-quarters of a mile to the eastward, the Murphy cabin about two hundred yards southwest of the monument, and the Donner tents were at the head of Alder Creek. Ninety people were in the party and forty-two perished, most of them from starvation and exposure.

In Commemoration of the Pioneers Who Crossed the Plains to Settle in California. Monument erected under the auspices of the Native Sons and the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Monument dedicated June 6, 1918.

OHP description:

Commemorates the ill-fated Donner party of California-bound emigrants, who wintered here in 1846-1847, many died of exposure and starvation.

Registered 1/31/1934