The Best Land Under Heaven Quotes

“The story of the Donner Party is a long and complex account of how a group of people from varied backgrounds, stratified in age, wealth, education, and ethnicity, followed their different dreams. Out of necessity, they were made to unite and battle against the unknown—weather, nature, and finally life and death”
― Michael Wallis, The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny

“Historian Bernard DeVoto later called 1846 "the year of decision." Not all the decisions proved wise.”
― Michael Wallis, The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny

“Once a person gives up, it becomes surprisingly easy to die.”
― Michael Wallis, The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny

“Plains oak,”
― Michael Wallis, The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny