Just as the Spanish Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the Trail of Tears mark rich periods in American history, the Mormon Trail tells another chapter in the settlement of the West with the story of a courageous group of pioneers seeking religious freedom at all costs. Over a period of 20 years, beginning in the winter of 1846, more than 70,000 men, women, and children trekked to the Salt Lake Valley along the Mormon Trail. Led by Brigham …showed first 75 words of 202 total…

…showed last 75 words of 202 total…the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Plagued by religious persecution, the Mormons relocated from upstate New York, to Kirtland, Ohio, to Independence, Misso! uri and to Nauvoo, Illinois before being driven West. While the two decade-long migration saw over 3,000 perish due to sickness, harsh weather, and the elements, the Mormon journey is seen as a tremendous success and a testament to human endurance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** None