Springfield Illinois is the first setting introduced in the story. It is where Patty and her doll live in the beginning of the book. This is where they start before going to the West. Springfield is turning from winter into spring.
Independence, Missouri is the first part of the journey. Independence, Missouri is a small city. The Donner Party used it as a resting place. This is also where people buy items for the journey.
The Prairie is a patch of green grass and flowers too. Many kids were picking flowers. It is also the place where the first person died, Patty's Grandma.
Fort Laramie is the first Fort that the Donner Party went to. They celebrated the fourth of July at Fort Laramie. They met the tamed Sioux Indian tribe. The tribe tried trading with the Reed's but they declined.
Fort Bridger is the place where the Donner Party was where they were supposed to meet Mr. Hastings. But then they realized that he went off with another company. He left some arrows which led the Donner Party to a new route.
The Great Salt Desert was the deathbed of many pioneers and animals. This desert is 40 miles long and 80 miles wide. The Donner Party got deprived of food and dehydration. They had to rely on other wagons to support them. This desert was truly a harsh place.
Sierra Nevada is a snow covered mountain range. This is the hardest part of the Journey West. Many pioneers had their lives taken due to the deadly blizzards. Sierra Nevada is a risk to take during the Journey to the West.
Sutter's fort was the final destination for the Donner Party. Another name for Sutter's fort is Sacramento. Patty Reeds doll got stuffed in to a drawer. Out of 81 people, only 45 people survived from the journey west.