Mormon pioneer - Definition and Overview

The early Mormon Pioneers were primarily comprised of a large exodus of Latter-day Saints traveling from Illinois to the great basin or what is now Salt Lake City, Utah. The exodus was driven by intense persecution and an extermination order given by governor of Missouri. The exodus was led by Latter-day Saint leader Brigham Young. His role in the exodus earned him the title "Moses of the west." The exodus began in February of 1846 when religious tension reached its height and mobs burned the Latter-day Saint temple in Nauvoo, Illinois.

The Pioneers traveled to Utah using wagons, handcarts, and in some cases carrying their belongings. The trail they used became known as the Mormon Trail.

Later groups of Mormon Pioneers were comprised of converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who came from around the world and traveled cross country to join the main body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. The era of Mormon Pioneers ended with the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Which allowed Converts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to immigrate to Utah by train.

In all nearly 70,000 Mormon pioneers crossed the plains. Because of the high number of fatalities and the suffering endured by these early Mormon Pioneers The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers many of the graveyards and campsites hallowed ground.

Internet Links

Mormon Pioneer Story (http://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/pioneerstory.htm)