The Mormon Exodus: Reasons Behind the Fleeing from Nauvoo
For many, the Mormon migration from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the western United States is a tragic chapter marked by persecution and forced relocation. This article delves into the reasons behind this mass exodus, examining the conflicts, persecutions, and government actions that led to this significant movement in American history.
Persecution and Extremism
The early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) faced relentless persecution from the outset. Various factions, including local settlers and government officials, viewed the new religious movement with suspicion and hostility. The term 'mobshatters' often referred to those who sought to intimidate or harm the Mormons, primarily because of their beliefs and practices.
The situation reached a crescendo when a full-blown extermination order was issued by the Governor of Missouri. This meant that anyone involved in the LDS Church could be killed without the need for a trial or legal justification. This gross violation of the First Amendment rights of the early Saints led to a mass exodus as they sought safety and freedom in the western territories.
Forced Migration Westward
In response to the escalating violence, the early Saints fled westward, leaving behind their cherished temples and the land they had called home. During this journey, often compared to the biblical Exodus, the pioneers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrains. However, they did not have the blessing of a guiding pillar of light; their sole direction was "west."
The trek across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains was arduous, filled with numerous dangers and hardships. Despite these obstacles, the Mormon pioneers endured and eventually found the place they were seeking: a fertile plain in the Salt Lake Valley.
Establishing Deseret and Early Challenges
Upon arrival, the pioneers established what would eventually become the settlement of Salt Lake City. They named their new territory 'Deseret,' a honeybee symbolic of unity and industry. However, their vision of governance under the moniker 'Deseret' was short-lived, as the Federal Government refused to grant them the autonomy they sought.
The first land grant, known as 'Zion,' was given to the Church. However, subsequent land divisions were made to block the Mormon acquisition of valuable resources. Silver in the western section was ceded to Nevada, while gold in the eastern section went to Colorado, thus preventing the Church from amassing wealth and resources. Wyoming further reduced the territory, leaving Utah with its current borders.
The Mormon Persecution and the Exodus
After Joseph Smith's lynching, tensions with local settlers reached a peak. The settlers' desire to drive the Mormons out of their homes was no longer just a want; it was a violent reality. Many Mormon settlers left Nauvoo to avoid further attacks, a move that was both planned and inevitable.
Brigham Young, as the successor to Joseph Smith, took the lead in organizing the Mormon migration. The journey to the Salt Lake Valley was fraught with challenges, but the pioneer spirit and determination of the LDS pioneers ensured their survival and eventual success.
Upon arriving at their new homeland, they settled the area and expanded in all directions. They founded cities like Los Angeles and San Bernardino, contributing significantly to the development of the western United States.
Over time, the Utah Territory was reduced to its current borders, a result of political and economic maneuvering by the Federal Government. Despite these setbacks, the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints persevered and established a thriving community in what is now Utah.
Conclusion
The Mormon exodus from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley was a saga of perseverance, faith, and determination. It was marked by forced relocation, persecution, and eventual triumph. Today, the legacy of these pioneers continues to inspire and shape the identity of the Mormon community worldwide.