Joseph Smith

The Mormons were a unique part of the migration. Their move to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake was not entirely voluntary. It was necessary to find an isolated area where they could permanently settle and practice their religion in peace.

Founded by Joseph Smith, April 6, 1830 in Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith translated a document from golden plates given to him by an angel. This document, The Book of Mormon, became a cornerstone of the new religion.

The name Mormon was applied to those who subscribed to these beliefs.

The church headquarters subsequently moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1839. It remained there until 1846, when the church started its journey west.

They just wanted to be insulated from further harassment, antagonism, and persecution. Membership grew rapidly from 1830 to 1845. The practice of plural marriage or polygamy caused friction between church and state. Perceptions by some non-Mormons that the church was a threat fueled intolerance. Hostilities escalated, and on June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith along with his brother was killed by an angry mob.

• The Dominguez-Escalante Expeditions Journal:

Through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico in 1776

• I Walked to Zion:
- Young Pioneers on the Mormon Trail

• The Gathering of Zion:
- The Story of the Mormon Trail

• National Geographic's Guide to:
- Lewis and Clark Trail

• Hiking Historic Trails
- Utah's Favorite Hiking Trails

• Scenic Driving - Travel guides
- Scenic Driving in Utah

• Historical reading
- The Old Spanish Trail

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