Picture this: late fall, 1844. A ragtag group of pioneers, horses, oxen, and wagons trudge across the unforgiving Sierra Nevada landscape, with winter nipping at their heels. But these weren’t just any travelers, they were the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, the first European Americans to successfully cross the Sierra with wagons, and their story is about to be brought back to life by a group of modern-day ultrarunners and historians.

A Journey of Survival and Grit

While most people know about the tragic Donner Party, the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party’s incredible journey has been largely forgotten. All 52 members survived the grueling trek, including two infants born during the westward journey. Their route, pieced together through diaries, maps, and AI-assisted research, will now be retraced by endurance athletes Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer in a September 2025 expedition.

Indigenous Guidance and Hidden Heroes

What makes this story even more remarkable is the crucial role Indigenous peoples played. The Washoe, Paiute, and Maidu tribes provided critical guidance, helping the settlers navigate treacherous terrain. Chief Truckee himself offered direction, though the settlers rarely acknowledged this assistance. The expedition aims to highlight these often-overlooked contributions and shine a light on the collaborative nature of westward expansion.

Modern Expedition Meets Historical Adventure

Starting from Donner Memorial State Park, the modern expedition will cover 120 miles on horseback and foot, following the original six-rider route through Lake Tahoe and over Burton Pass. Their goal isn’t just athletic achievement but historical preservation, uncovering waypoints, stories, and the incredible resilience of those who first crossed the Sierra Nevada. As Crowley notes, “Not a single soul perished,” a testament to human determination and collaborative survival in one of America’s most challenging landscapes.