1. Joseph Smith and Mormons aka Jesus Christ and the Church of Later Day Saints
A new American religion!
- Started in New England by Joseph Smith (self proclaimed prophet)
- Golden plates and new word of God
- Smith picked up many followers and missionaries were sent out
- Smith left with followers to Illinois
- Many instances of hostilities between Mormons and locals (a mob would kill smith)
- Mormons would split up: 1/3 went to Wisconsin and 2/3 went west

2. Mormons in Wisconsin/Michigan (lake Michigan)
- James Strang declares himself king of Beaver Island; would end up being shot to death on the USS Michigan - Some followers disbanded and melded back in American society, some would go back to the main Mormon band settled in Utah, a few pockets of Strang followers are around today.

3. Mormons in Utah
After Smith’s death Brigham Young decides to move his followers West
- Looking for the promised land.
- End up settling next to a giant salty lake
Troubles with the U.S. government and nearby states would continue
- War with Arizona
- Polygamy (now not allowed in mainstream Mormonism)
Today
- Major force in America
a. Fast growing religion
b. Mitt Romney