Expedition Unknown Season 10 Episode 13 Donner Party Horror and Heroes

In Expedition Unknown season 10 episode 13, titled "Donner Party Horror and Heroes," host Josh Gates sets out to explore one of the most grisly and tragic stories of American pioneers: the Donner Party. In the winter of 1846-47, a group of overland emigrants led by George and Jacob Donner found themselves stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains, facing bitter cold, starvation, and desperation. Despite their best efforts to survive, the group became infamous for resorting to cannibalism to stay alive.

Gates begins his investigation by traveling to the sites where the Donner Party members camped, struggled, and perished over 170 years ago. He meets with historians, archaeologists, and modern-day descendants of the survivors to piece together what happened, and how the ordeal affected both the participants and the larger history of westward expansion. Along the way, Gates encounters haunting artifacts, bone-chilling stories, and surprising moments of heroism and compassion.

The episode delves into the personal stories of several Donner Party members, including the doomed but determined mother Tamsen Donner, the courageous rescue team led by John Stark, and the tragic fate of the youngest survivor, Patty Reed. Gates uncovers startling new evidence that sheds light on some of the mysteries surrounding the ill-fated journey, such as the role of Native American tribes in helping or hindering the struggling emigrants, and the possibility that some of the group may have intentionally sabotaged their chances of survival.

Through it all, Gates maintains his trademark blend of curiosity, empathy, and humor, even as he confronts the harsh realities of this infamous American tragedy. He also explores the wider context of the Donner Party story, examining how it has been represented in popular culture, how it reflects larger themes of survival and sacrifice, and what lessons we can still learn from it today. With each step of his journey, Gates brings viewers closer to the heart of the Donner Party's horror and heroism, and reminds us of the resilience and endurance of the human spirit.