A Long Journey

A Long Journey. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. In 1846, about 13,500 Mormon pioneers fled Nauvoo, Illinois, in search of religious freedom. They departed in phases to prepare the way for those who would follow. Their journey started by crossing the Mississippi River. They traveled about 1,300 miles (2,100 km) across Iowa into the western mountains. After a difficult trek, the first emigrants arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Thousands more came later. , Along the trail, you can experience historic sites, recreation, and natural scenery. , (places shown on map:), This is the Place Heritage Park , About 1,300 miles (~2,100 km) from Nauvoo , Explore early European American settler life at this Utah State Park. From this spot, Brigham Young first glimpsed the Great Salt Lake Valley., Chimney Rock , About 756 miles (~1,220 km) from Nauvoo , This tall rock formation is visible from a great distance. Emigrants stopped to study and draw this fascinating geologic feature. , Winter Quarters , About 305 miles (~490 km) from Nauvoo , Trail travelers sheltered here before continuing their difficult journey west. Several hundred people died during the harsh winter of 1846-47., (photo captions:), ·The Nauvoo Temple was dedicated to May 1846, right before most Latter-day Saints left town. Soon after, fire damaged the building, followed by a tornado two years later. It was reconstructed in 2000., ·This was the largest planned migration in the United States, totaling nearly 70,000 by 1869. About one-fifth, or 13,500 emigrants, left from Nauvoo in three main groups in the first year (1846). Later travelers started their journeys from other places over the next two decades.