The Opening of the California Trail

The Opening of the California Trail by George R. Stewart delves into the remarkable story of the Stevens Party, often overlooked in the chronicles of early westward migration. This group of covered-wagon emigrants, traveling in 1844, is credited with establishing the first wagon road to California and discovering Donner Pass. Stewart's work not only recounts the logistical and historical significance of this journey but also provides a deeply human narrative, particularly through the experiences of Moses Schallenberger, a 17-year-old member of the party. Schallenberger's harrowing winter at Donner Lake, where he survived alone in a snow-buried cabin, emerges as a testament to human endurance and the pioneering spirit. The book features a combination of original narratives, edited manuscripts, and meticulous historical notes that illuminate the broader context of this seminal expedition.

Stewart carefully reconstructs the events through a thorough examination of primary documents, including Schallenberger's dictated memoirs, expanded by Horace S. Foote in 1888. He addresses the challenges of piecing together an accurate account from fragmented and sometimes contradictory sources, ultimately offering a comprehensive look at the individuals, their journey, and the sociopolitical climate of the time. Richly annotated with maps and illustrations, the volume also contextualizes the Stevens Party's route within the broader history of western migration and trail development. This work stands as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of America's westward expansion and the resilience of those who paved the way.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.