dv49'er

In 1849 my GGgrandfather was one of the first white men to cross Death Valley incuring many hardships very similar to the illfaited Donner party of 1846. They left Utah in an attept to get to the California gold feilds but many died from lack of water and food. The story is on the internet. for anyone interested just search for" Death Valley in 49" and you will find the entire story and the many accounts, Including the story about "the lost gunsight silver lode(mine), some called it mine but it was never actualy mined thats why the correct name is lode. Just another exciting chapter in american history that most are not aware of. There is a monument somewhere in utah to commerate where the group sepperated and headed toward the desert that they were resposable for giving Death Valley it's name when one of the party looked back and said" GOODBYE DEATH VALLEY!".