The Jayhawker party

Historical Note

The Jayhawker party (originally composed of 36 single young men) left Illinois in April 1849 to cross the plains in search of gold in California. After joining several other wagon trains and hiring Capt. Jefferson Hunt, a Mormon guide, to lead them over the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles, the Jayhawkers and some of the other wagon owners separated themselves to try a shortcut by way of Walker Pass and got lost in what is now known as Death Valley. After a struggle with hunger and thirst, in addition to the loss of 3 lives, the party safely arrived at the San Francsiquito Ranch north of Los Angeles, CA, on February 4, 1850.

Beginning in 1872, John Burt Colton, a member of the Jayhawker Party, organized reunions held annually on February 4 th until 1918. At the time of the reunions, the Jayhawkers recalled details about their journey in 1849 and shared news about surviving members.