Bartleson–Bidwell Party facts for kids

In 1841, a group called the Bartleson–Bidwell Party made history. Led by Captain John Bartleson and John Bidwell, they were the first American pioneers to try crossing from Missouri all the way to California in wagons.

Starting the Journey

In the winter of 1840, a group called the Western Emigration Society was formed in Missouri. About 500 people wanted to travel west to Mexican California. Important members included Bartleson and Bidwell.

The group officially started their journey on May 18, 1841. Talbot H. Green was chosen as president, John Bidwell as secretary, and John Bartleson as captain. They joined a missionary group led by Father Pierre Jean De Smet and Thomas F. Fitzpatrick.

They traveled west along the Oregon Trail, passing famous landmarks. These included Courthouse and Jail Rocks, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, Fort Laramie, and Independence Rock.

The Bartleson-Bidwell party separated from the missionary group on August 11 at Soda Springs. From there, they continued their own challenging journey.

Blazing the Trail

The Western Emigration Society decided to follow a route suggested by Dr. John Marsh. Marsh was a ranch owner in California, which was then part of Mexico. He realized that owning a large ranch was difficult if he couldn't keep it safe. He worried about unfair rules and other countries trying to take over California.

Marsh believed the best way to protect California was to encourage Americans to move there. He hoped that if enough Americans settled there, California would become part of the United States.

To do this, Marsh wrote many letters. He wrote about California's great weather, rich soil, and why it was a good place to live. He also described the best route to follow. These letters were shared widely and printed in newspapers. They inspired many people to move to California. Marsh even invited new settlers to stay on his ranch until they found their own homes. He also helped them get the necessary travel papers.

Marsh's suggested path, known as the California Trail, was based on the experiences of earlier explorers. These included Jedediah Smith, Peter Skene Ogden, and Joseph R. Walker.

This route led southwest from Soda Springs, following the Bear River and the Cache Valley. On August 24, 1841, the party headed west and north around the Great Salt Lake. They camped near the Hansel Mountains until September 9 while they looked for the best way forward.

By September 12, the journey became very tough. They had to start leaving behind their wagons and belongings. By October 9, they crossed the Mary's River (now called the Humboldt River). They then headed west towards Lake Humboldt, Humboldt Sink, and Carson Sink.

On October 30, they passed through the Stanislaus River canyon into the San Joaquin Valley. Finally, on November 4, 1841, the party reached Marsh's ranch.

Historian Doyce Nunis said that the Bidwell-Bartleson party successfully completed the first planned journey by land to California. They showed great bravery and strength through their difficult adventure. These tough pioneers opened the way for thousands more people to follow.

Who Was There?

Many brave people were part of these historic journeys.

Missionary Party

This group included Jesuit Fathers like Pierre-Jean De Smet and Gregory Mengarini. Their captain was Thomas "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick. There were also teamsters, trappers, and other travelers.

The Bidwell-Bartleson Party Who Reached California

This group included John Bartleson, John Bidwell, and Joseph Chiles. Also among them were Nancy Kelsey and her daughter, who were notable for their courage. Many others, like Josiah Belden and Charles M. Weber, also completed the journey to California.

The Bidwell-Bartleson Party Who Reached Oregon

Some members of the original group decided to go to Oregon instead of California. This group included families like Richard Fillan with his wife and child, and Samuel Kelsey with his wife and five children.