The Mormons: The move to Salt Lake City

Mr McDonald

Presentation Objectives:

In this presentation we will look at the following topics: The leadership of Brigham Young The journey across the Plains.

Brigham Young Brigham Young took control of the

Mormon church after Smith was killed in Illinois. His style of leadership was very important to the success of the Mormon movement. He believed in strict discipline and

routine in the journey across the Plains. He was a very efficient organiser. He

had already planned the move to Nauvoo.

Oh and he had 27 wives – 8 of them were Joseph Smith’s widows!

The journey across the Plains

Brigham Young knew from literature about the Oregon Trail that one area that was considered desolate was the Great Salt Lake. He considered this to be a perfect area to settle as no-one would want to live there.

In September 1845, Young decided to leave. He spoke with the Illinois authorities and said that for leaving in spring 1846 they wanted to be free from persecution in the meantime.

The journey across the Plains

Young’s plan were as follows:- Through the winter a collection of stores Wagons to be built Oxen bought Equipment bought and collected.

In February 1846, across the Frozen Mississippi, the first staging post was built called the Camp of Israel.

However the Mormons had to start leaving early as their homes were attacked by mobs.

Organisation on the trail

Wagon Train

Every Hundred Wagons controlled by a Captain

Every Ten Wagons controlled by a Lieutenant

Journey across the Plains

As the Mormons made their way across the Plains they built a number of rest camps. At each one some people were left behind to establish food stores and workshops for the remainder of the trail.

By June 1846, the leaders of the trail had reached the Missouri River. Here they decided to build winter quarters with accommodation and stores.

This reflects Brigham Young’s leadership as he had made sure he did not to leave too late.

The last wagon trains reached the winter quarters by autumn.

Winter 1846

With winter was fierce and over 700 died from disease and the extreme cold.

In April 1847, Young set out with a small ban to find a settlement that they could live in (143 men, 3 women and 2 children). This group had a mix of farmers and craftsmen to establish a settlement.

Pioneer man Jim Bridger warned them that the Great Salt Lake was too barren to live in but Young refused to listen. He wanted such a place.

The band followed the route of the Donner Party and finally found the Great Salt Lake in June 1847.

Analysis

By choosing an area perceived to be too inhospitable then he would feel that the Mormons could be free from persecution.

Not following the advice of Bridger may sound silly but he knew what he was doing.