Westward Expansion:
The Effects on the Mormons
The Mormons
The Mormons are a religious group that is branched under Christianity, however they do not get their scriptures from the Bible. The Mormons follow the Book of Mormon, a religious scripture book centered around saints, angels, and Jesus Christ. This branch of Christianity differs from most other branches because it permits the practice of polygamy. Mormons believe that if God calls you to marry more than one person, then it should be permitted. They believe that God will always lead them in the right direction. Mormonism was created by Joseph Smith in the 1820s. Mormonism is also referred to as the Latter Day Saint Movement.
The Book of Mormon
This is the Book of Mormon, the religious beliefs book of the Mormons.
Brigham Young
Brigham Young became the President of the Mormon Church after Joseph Smith died. Young had an estimated 55 wives, making the most out of the practice of polygamy. Young led the Mormons on the Mormon trail when they went west.
Utah
The Mormons chose to go to Utah for their western settlement. They chose Utah because they had too many enemies in Illinois. The mob that killed Joseph Smith was one of the things that sparked the move. Along the way, the Mormons stopped in Winter Quarters, Nebraska.
Why the Mormons Went West
The Mormons traveled to Utah to fulfill their religious beliefs and escape harassment from other Illinoisans. Many mobs broke out against the Mormons because other people did not agree with polygamy. Protestant and Catholic religions were the only accepted religions at the time.
Event Information
Start of Expansion
The Mormons started to go West on February 4, 1846.
When?
Wednesday, Feb 4, 1846, 12:00 PM
Where?
Nauvoo, Illinois
A Modern Day Exodus - The Mormon Trail to Utah
Event Information
End of Expansion
The first group of Mormons to travel West reached their destination on June 14, 1847.
When?
Monday, Jun 14, 1847, 12:00 PM
Where?
Salt Lake Valley, Utah
The Mormon Battalion
The Mormons left most of their belongings in their hometowns before they took the Mormon Trail to Utah. They didn't have property of any sort when they got to Utah, and they didn't have money, either. The US government was willing to pay these Mormons, under one condition. They US had just declared war on Mexico, so the Mormons were paid to fight. The fighters became known as the Mormon Battalion.