Stevens–Murphy–Townsend Party

The party left Missouri in 1844 and followed the California Trail before attempting to take wagons across the Sierra Nevada. Heavy snow forced travellers to divide and improvise shelter and rescue routes.

Women and children remained near the headwaters of the Yuba River while small groups crossed mountains or sought provisions. Their survival preceded and informed later emigrant travel through the region.

One More River to Cross reconstructs the expedition through several women, emphasising Catholic faith, shared labour and decisions usually compressed in route histories.