The Mormons
The Exodus
The Mormon Beliefs. "Mormons Moving West"
Beginning in 1847, a large group, known as Mormons, left their homes behind in Nauvoo, Illinois and started the 1,300-mile journey to what they called “Zion” a place where they would be free from oppression and persecution and be able to worship freely. Time after time, the Mormons found themselves attacked, discriminated and persecuted. They sincerely hoped that this Zion, present day Salt Lake City, Utah, would be their refuge and where they could finally find peace. The Mormons made Salt Lake City a great city, an oasis in the desert. They even helped other migrants on their way to a new and better life as they moved westward.
Brigham Young
History of the Church. "Brigham Young"
A specific person that belonged to this group was recently sustained prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young. After the prophet Joseph Smith was assassinated in Carthage, Illinois, Young was called by God to be prophet and leader of the Mormon church. Young was known for his very kind heart and his unwavering leadership. He stood in the face of adversity and did what was right. But, as intense religious persecution mounted in Nauvoo, Illinois, Young firmly believed that the Mormons needed to leave. He spoke to the masses and told them about Salt Lake City, Utah and how God wanted them to leave behind everything they have known and venture to the Salt Lake Valley. There, they would finally obtain the peace they so longed for. Brigham Young faced many challenges along the trail. Not only was the journey itself physically, emotionally and mentally grueling; but at times there were factions between the groups and conflict arose. But the largest issue he faced was the Martin and Willie Handcart companies. Already settled in Salt Lake City, during a General Conference address when himself and others addressed the saints, Young heard reports of the danger these handcart companies were facing and Young had to act immediately.
Willie and Martin Handcart Companies
Chronicles of the Old West. "Mormon Handcart Pioneers."
The handcart was a very new and unusual way to travel. However, it was very convenient for the Mormons as it was very cheap. The most notable handcart companies along the Mormon trial, the Willie and Martin Handcart companies, faced bad luck from the start. Delays hindered them from arriving in Iowa City until late summer when both parties converged. Many warned that by continuing West so late in the season, they would face serious consequences and difficulties. The pioneers were at a crossroad. Should they stop to avoid these dire consequences? Or should they continue on, putting their faith in God? They ultimately chose to continue and they faced enormous trials because of it. Winter hit early and while blankets of snow continued to fall upon the Mormons, food rations began to run low and people become very weak and very disheartened. While so close to Salt Lake, they Mormons found themselves unable to take one more step and the icy Sweetwater River seemed impossible to cross. Much to their joy, a rescue party arrived, mostly of young boys, and carried the weak through the river. Because of Brigham Young’s quickness to act and the selflessness of the rescue party, the majority of the company was able to unite with the Mormons in Utah. The Willie Company lost 68 of 404 and Martin lost more than 145 of 576 (25%). The Willie and Martin handcart companies are considered one of the most tragic stories of the Mormon Trail.
Settlement of the West
This group connects to the theme of settlement of the West. Throughout their migration from New York, to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois and finally to Utah, the Mormons left their influence behind. While in Illinois, Nauvoo “the city beautiful”, became the largest city in the entire state of Illinois. Within years of their settlement in Utah, Salt Lake became a bustling city, full of trade and interaction between diverse cultures. Individuals along the California and Oregon Trail often stopped in Salt Lake City where they received supplies and other aid from the Mormons. The Mormons created an oasis in the desert by building towns, shops, and there all together sense of community made Salt Lake a very successful city.
Mormons Today
Mormon Church "The Salt Lake Temple"
I found it really interesting of the Mormons true hardships. They faced difficulties just as much as anyone else did along the trail. It was also amazing that there were willing to continue on and pursue something that they wanted, despite the difficulty of it. Had it not been for the Mormons determination in the face of difficulty, Utah would not be the way it is today nor would the Mormon faith be as strong as an influence. The Mormons heavily influenced the West by making Salt Lake a greaty city. Because of the faith of the early Mormon pioneers, the United States changed. Their influence has affected millions and has changed my life forever.