Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, July 26, 2026
Under the leadership of Brigham Young, the Mormons, driven out of Illinois, chose to migrate to the Great Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah. This move was motivated by a desire for isolation to practice their faith freely and establish their spiritual kingdom, New Zion. The migration began in February 1846 with an organized advance party to prepare for the main group.
“The group was led by their new prophet, Brigham Young, who had been chosen to lead by his fellow Mormons.”
“Young and the other apostles needed to move the Mormons out of Illinois quickly as mob violence continued to escalate and Nauvoo City's charter was revoked.”
“However, they ultimately chose to move to the Great Salt Lake Valley in what is today the state of Utah.”
“The Mormons began selling their homes and farms to purchase the horses, cattle, and wagons needed for the journey.”