Group of U.S. pioneers stranded en route to California.
In late 1846, 87 immigrants led by George and Jacob Donner were trapped by heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada. Fifteen of the group set out to find help. When the others' food ran out, they resorted to cannibalism of those already dead. The 47 surviving members were rescued in February 1847. Donner Lake and Donner Pass, Cal., are named for them.