Inclusive dates: 1849-1952

The Jayhawker party (originally composed of 36 single young men) left Illinois in April 1849 to cross the plains in search of gold in California. After joining several other wagon trains and hiring Capt. Jefferson Hunt, a Mormon guide, to lead them over the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles, the Jayhawkers and some of the other wagon owners separated themselves to try a shortcut by way of Walker Pass and got lost in what is now known as Death Valley. After a struggle with hunger and thirst, in addition to the loss of 3 lives, the party safely arrived at the San Francsiquito Ranch north of Los Angeles, CA, on February 4, 1850.

1,105 pieces. Number of manuscript boxes: 9 Number of scrapbooks: 8 Number of oversize folders: 4

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