Seven Lessons Learned from George Donner:

Do your research: P.T. Barnum is famous for his quote, “There is a sucker born every minute.”  While this is not a philosophy that one should base his life purpose on, it is true.  In P.T.’s time it was the snake oil salesman who preyed on the gullible.  Today, a quick look at the internet or TV reveals similar “easy solutions” to life’s problems.  Those heading for riches in California knew the trip was difficult even using the traditional Oregon Trail.  Too bad the Donnor Party didn’t first dig deeper and uncover that the shortcut had never been traversed with wagons.