Category Archives: Western Emigration Society

During the winter of 1840-41, some five hundred people in Platte County, Missouri joined the Western Emigration Society and signed a pledge to emigrate to California in the spring. This idea was met with great resistance by the local merchants. … Continue reading →

During the winter of 1840-41 John Bidwell, who had lost his land to a claim jumper, taught school in Missouri and got ready to move on. The tales of fur trader Antoine Robidoux and the letters of John Marsh extolling … Continue reading →