S1 E4: The Horseback Party of Six: Pioneers of Courage and Determination
American West Live!
In 1844, six pioneers from the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy wagon train became the first non-Indigenous people to cross the Sierra Nevada via the Truckee River corridor. Guided by Washoe people and driven by necessity, their journey shattered gender stereotypes and debunked myths of lone heroism. Their success opened a vital route for future emigrants and highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge and collaboration in westward expansion. Their legacy endures as a testament to courage and cooperation. Want to learn more? Read about the whole story
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S1 E3: Westward Wagons - A Rough Start
American West Live!
The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, a group of ten families, left Iowa in 1844, becoming the first to bring wagons over the Sierra Nevada. Their journey was marked by conflicts, harsh weather, illness, and insect plagues. Strong leadership, unity, and experience helped them overcome adversity and open the West for future settlers. Want to learn more? Read about the whole story
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S1 E2: Pioneers of the California Trail
American West Live!
Welcome to Episode 2 of American West Live! The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party's 1844 expedition was the first successful wagon crossing of the Sierra Nevada. This achievement is attributed to the collective leadership of several key individuals with diverse skills and unwavering resilience in the face of significant challenges. In this episode we highlight six figures whose contributions in terms of decisiveness, communication, and grit were crucial to the party's triumph. Interested in learning more? Read the whole story
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S1 E1: First Wagons to California
American West Live!
Welcome to the first episode of American West Live! In 1844 the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party left Council Bluffs, Iowa with 50 members and 11 wagons, with the goal of reaching Sacramento, California, 2,000 miles to the west and beginning a new life of freedom and prosperity. This seven-month journey, ending in triumph with all 50 members surviving, in fact 52 as two babies were born along the way, and becoming the first pioneers to get a wagon to California, was overshadowed in history by the ill-fated Donner Party of 1846 and the Gold Rush of 1849. We are taking a deep dive into this...
info_outlineWelcome to Episode 2 of American West Live!
The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party's 1844 expedition was the first successful wagon crossing of the Sierra Nevada. This achievement is attributed to the collective leadership of several key individuals with diverse skills and unwavering resilience in the face of significant challenges. In this episode we highlight six figures whose contributions in terms of decisiveness, communication, and grit were crucial to the party's triumph.
Interested in learning more? Read the whole story here!