Virginia Reed Murphy (1833-1921) was a survivor of the Donner Party and an essential chronicler of one of the most tragic episodes of westward migration in American history. Born on June 23, 1833, in Springfield, Illinois, Virginia was just thirteen years old when she embarked on the perilous journey to California with her parents, James Frazier Reed and Margaret Reed, and her siblings. As the Donner Party became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the harsh winter of 1846-47, Virginia's resilience and courage helped sustain her family.After surviving the harrowing ordeal and reaching California, Virginia grew to adulthood in San Jose, where her father became a prominent citizen. In 1850, at age seventeen, she married John Marion Murphy, who had also survived the Donner Party tragedy as part of the Murphy family. They built their life together in California, where Virginia became deeply respected in her community.In 1891, Virginia published her influential memoir, Across the Plains in the Donner Party, originally appearing in The Century Magazine. Her vivid personal narrative offers critical firsthand insights into the journey's daily challenges, fears, and acts of bravery, serving as one of the most authentic and moving accounts of the Donner Party experience. Virginia Reed Murphy passed away on February 14, 1921, leaving behind a lasting legacy through her powerful recollections, which continue to illuminate the human dimensions of this historic tragedy.