Cannibalism within the Donner Party
Cannibalism among the Donner Party has been highly exaggerated, however it did seem to occur.
The Donner Party did not resort to cannibalism until February or early March.
The only people to have been know to avoid cannibalism are those who died before February as well as James Reed and William McCutchen. Also the two Native American guides are known to have also not participated in cannibalism.
The Party did everything possible including eating hide and strings as well as consuming their dogs, before ultimately choosing to cannibalize.
Hair, bones, skulls and fragments of half-consumed limbs were said to be around the fire.
Jacob Donner's body was found with his heart and liver removed and his limbs and arms cut off.
Accounts have stated that children were found with blood on their faces after trying to consume flesh.
The Donner Party did not resort to cannibalism until February or early March.
The only people to have been know to avoid cannibalism are those who died before February as well as James Reed and William McCutchen. Also the two Native American guides are known to have also not participated in cannibalism.
The Party did everything possible including eating hide and strings as well as consuming their dogs, before ultimately choosing to cannibalize.
Hair, bones, skulls and fragments of half-consumed limbs were said to be around the fire.
Jacob Donner's body was found with his heart and liver removed and his limbs and arms cut off.
Accounts have stated that children were found with blood on their faces after trying to consume flesh.