There had been few previous attempts by Europeans to venture into the continental United States from the comforts of the east coast, as these regions were believed to be dangerous. It was believed that native Indians represented a grave danger to anyone who dared move to their territory. The harsh climate, characterized by very high temperatures and many new diseases, was also a significant obstacle that prevented any European expedition to the heart of the United States. A turning point came when Brigham Young and his small group of Mormons began a dangerous journey, one that would take them 1,300 miles west into the young nation. This dangerous journey would then become famous as the Mormon Trail, the greatest journey of the
Where is the Mormon path?
The Mormon Trail covers about 1,300 miles from the starting point of Nauvoo, Illinois, to its end in Salt Lake City, Utah. The track passes through the states of Utah, Nebraska, Illinois and Wyoming. After the first Mormons began the original journey in 1846, it would have been used for trade and transportation for about 20 years before the construction of the first transcontinental railway in 1869.
Chronology
The Mormon path began in 1846 after Brigham Young, a natural leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convinced a small group of fellow believers to embark on a journey westward to unexplored regions of the United States after being expelled from their traditional home in Nauvoo. With their belief that their faith is their primary motivation, this original group of Mormons grew to an estimated trekker 2,000 in the first year of the trek. Travelers would establish settlements along the way, some of which, like Salt Lake City, would eventually become major American cities.
Sites / Limits
The Independence Rock is probably the most famous and characteristic landmark of the Mormon Trail. What makes the Independence Rock so special are the numerous inscriptions engraved on its surface, which were made by the first Mormons who are believed to have marked their arrival at this immense geological feature with many celebrations marking their names on the rock. Another landmark found along the Mormon Trail is the Sweetwater River. The river was of great importance to the Mormons arriving during their journey, as it provided the much needed water for drinking and watering their animals. The banks of the river, rich in pastures, offered excellent grazing grounds for the thousands of head of cattle.
Tourism
Thousands of tourists invade the path every year, some of which aim to reconstruct the historical path while others only see the dozens of essential sites that dot the entire stretch of the path. Not to mention followers of the Latter-day Saint faith heading for the Mormon Trail by the thousands because of its religious significance for their Mormon denomination. Currently, the Mormon path has been part of the national paths of the United States and is referred to as the National Historic Path of Mormon Pioneers.
Uniqueness
The Mormon Trail is perhaps the most historically significant American path, as it led to the opening of the continental United States. Major cities in America attribute their origin to this journey of the 19th century, such as Salt Lake City. The courage of the thousands of Mormons who undertook the difficult journey allowed the traders to follow their example, thus accelerating the development of the regions of the United States that were initially considered inaccessible.
