The Mormon Exodus: From New York to Utah
In the mid-19th century, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons, experienced a significant migration from New York to Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and finally to Utah. This journey was a story of hardship, persecution, and eventual settlement in a place where they could find peace and safety. This article will explore the reasons behind their migration, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their journey on American history.
Persecution and Migration
The migration of the Mormons began in the early 1830s when Joseph Smith Jr. founded his church in Palmyra, New York. Initially, the church flourished, but as it diverged from traditional Christian beliefs, it attracted significant animosity. The Christians in the region saw the new religious doctrines as a threat to their own beliefs, leading to persecution, including legal actions for crimes such as treason, bank fraud, and bigamy.
This pattern of persecution continued as the Mormons moved to Kirtland, Ohio, and then to Far West, Missouri. Each move was met with increasing hostility, culminating in the Missouri governor issuing an extermination order against the Mormons. This forced many into a church exodus to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they established a city that grew to become one of the largest in the state.
Survival and Persecution
The survival of the Mormon community was challenging, especially in the frontier territories of America. They faced harassment, violence, and legal actions against them. The assassination of Joseph Smith Jr. in 1844 further destabilized the leadership of the church, leaving them vulnerable to continued persecution.
With the survival of the church at stake, leaders like Brigham Young decided to lead the remnants of the church westward, far away from the hostility of the Eastern states. They chose the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah, a region that was sparsely populated and under the influence of the American government.
The Journey West
The journey west was arduous. The church members did not have the luxury of modern transportation. They traveled by covered wagons, horseback, and on foot, covering the 1,300 miles between the Eastern States and the Salt Lake Valley. One notable figure was John Pack, who was one of three scouts that arrived two days before Brigham Young and the rest of the first party in July 1847.
Another individual, James Hendricks, had to come west by wagon due to his condition as a quadriplegic. His son, William, took the long route as a member of the Mormon Battalion, traveling through various cities and towns before finally joining his father in the Salt Lake Valley.
The 14th Amendment and Beyond
The journey of the Mormons also highlighted the legal climate of the time. The Bill of Rights did not apply to the States until the passage of the 14th Amendment after the Civil War. This meant that the federal government had to step in to protect the rights of the Mormons, particularly when they faced legal and physical persecution.
Conclusion
The Mormon migration from New York to Ohio to Missouri to Illinois to Utah is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and survival. It is a testament to the tenacity of a religious community that overcame immense odds to find a place where they could live in peace. Although the journey was fraught with challenges, it ultimately led to the establishment of a unique religious and cultural community in the American West.
For a more detailed exploration of this period, you may want to read Saints Vol. 1 for a more comprehensive history. Any inaccuracies in this brief overview are the author's responsibility.