Mormon Pioneers and Their Journey West

Religion Christianity Christianity--Christians LDS, Mormons Catholics Buddhism--Buddhist Judaism--Jews Hinduism--Hindu Islam--Muslims Christianity LDS, Mormons Catholics Protestants Seventh-Day Adventists Baptists Methodist

Searching for Religious Freedom This isn’t something new, the Pilgrims and the Puritans came to America to practice their religion freely, without persecution. PERSECUTION: HARASSING OR CAUSING PEOPLE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THEIR BELIEFS.

Who were the Mormons? During a time called the Great Awakening (1820-1840) thousands of people were involved in a religious revival. Joseph Smith was a 14 year old boy who was searching for the correct church. He lived in the state of New York. One day he had a vision and declared that he was to start a church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS. Smith translated The Book of Mormon. Mormons = Followers of Joseph Smith

Zion Smith wanted all his followers to join together in “a gathering place,” or “Zion”. A place where people would live together in peace and purity. Many joined the Church, but were persecuted for it. It was clear, they needed to leave New York.

Moving From Place to Place From New York --> Kirtland, Ohio Despite being poor, the Mormons built a Temple in Ohio. Kirtland, Ohio --> Independence, Missouri Really disliked because they were a “strange new religion” who did not believe in slavery. Governor Boggs issued the Extermination Order--All Mormons must leave or be killed. EXTERMINATE: TO GET RID OF COMPLETELY Mobs began attacking Mormons, beating, killing and burning homes. Finally, the Mormons left in the winter.

Moving From Place to Place Independence, Missouri -->Nauvoo, Illinois Arrived in Quincy, Illinois, and the people of this town felt bad for the Mormons. They took them in and helped them. Eventually, they moved to a new area and named it Nauvoo. They lived in peace for several years. Then persecution towards the Mormons. Angry mobs of men burned homes, and tarred and feathered Mormons Joseph Smith was arrested and taken to Carthage Jail. The next evening, a mob of angry men attacked the prison and shot and killed Joseph and his brother, Hyrum. They were considered martyrs. MARTYR: A PERSON WHO IS KILLED FOR THEIR BELIEFS.

MOVING FROM PLACE TO PLACE Nauvoo, Illinois Brigham Young was chosen as the new leader of the Mormons. Once again, because of persecution the people were forced to leave their homes. Waiting till the Spring was not an option because the mobs had become very violent. They read Fremont’s Reports and decided moving west was the best idea. But when? The winter was incredibly cold and would make the trip difficult. Then a miracle occurred and the Mississippi River froze solid allowing the Mormons to walk across it--oxen, wagons and all

Moving West Nauvoo, Illinois -->Winter Quarters, Nebraska A large community of log cabins as a short stop before moving into Utah. There was much disease and cold and not enough food and warm clothes. Winter Quarters, Nebraska -->Salt Lake Valley July 24, 1847: Brigham Young arrived with the Advanced Pioneer Company

Why Did People Not Like the Mormons?

Think About it… Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Bill of Rights-- the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Do you think the Mormon people should have been allowed this freedom? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. “

Immigrants Come to Utah… England Germany Sweden Denmark France Italy China Japan Mexico 1890 20,905 2,121 5,986 9,023 205 347 808 5 19 1900 18,879 2,365 7,025 9,132 220 1,062 544 410 41 1910 18,083 3,063 7,227 8,300 303 3,117 311 2,050 166 What trends do you see? Which countries had the most people moving to Utah? Which ones had the least?