The Westward Migration of the Latter-day Saints to Utah

Learn about the epic journey of the Latter-day Saints across the American frontier to establish their new home in the Salt Lake Valley.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 2, 2026

Branched from The Origins of Mormonism: A Brief History

Quick take

From 1846 to 1869, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints migrated from the Midwest to the Salt Lake Valley.
Led by Brigham Young, this organized exodus sought religious freedom and a safe haven from persecution.
Pioneers faced immense challenges, including harsh conditions, disease, and difficult terrain.
The migration was a pivotal moment in American westward expansion and the founding of Utah.

The Westward Migration of the Latter-day Saints refers to the mass exodus of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called Mormons) from the Midwestern United States to the Salt Lake Valley, beginning primarily in 1846 and continuing for over two decades. This highly organized movement involved tens of thousands of individuals seeking religious freedom and a place to establish their community, away from the persecution they had faced in the East.

Why They Left

The primary catalyst for the migration was intense religious persecution and escalating conflict in Missouri and Illinois. After their leader, Joseph Smith, was murdered by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, in 1844, and facing continued threats and violence, the Church leadership under Brigham Young decided to move the entire community westward. Their goal was to find an isolated territory where they could practice their faith without interference and build their envisioned 'Zion' or promised land.

The Epic Journey

The migration began in February 1846, with the first groups crossing the frozen Mississippi River from Nauvoo, Illinois. The initial pioneers spent the first winter in temporary settlements across Iowa and Nebraska, notably at Winter Quarters near present-day Omaha. In April 1847, Brigham Young led the first vanguard company of 148 pioneers, traveling over 1,000 miles across the plains and mountains. They reached the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, declaring, 'This is the place.'

Subsequent waves of migration followed, with Church leaders organizing the journey for thousands of converts from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Most traveled by wagon, but between 1856 and 1860, about 3,000 pioneers made the arduous trek pulling handcarts, a more economical but incredibly challenging method. The Church established a 'Perpetual Emigrating Fund' to assist poorer members with travel costs, ensuring that nearly all who wished to gather to Zion could do so.

A Remarkable Feat of Organization

The migration was meticulously planned, with companies organized into wards and led by captains.
Detailed instructions were given for supplies, equipment, and daily camp life.
Scouts were sent ahead to find routes, water sources, and suitable resting places.
Despite the hardships, the organized nature of the migration minimized loss of life compared to other contemporary westward movements.

Why It Matters

The Westward Migration is a cornerstone of American history, representing a unique chapter in the settlement of the West. It stands as a powerful testament to the human desire for religious freedom and the endurance of faith in the face of adversity. This migration directly led to the founding of Salt Lake City and the subsequent colonization of much of the Great Basin, profoundly shaping the cultural, political, and demographic landscape of Utah and surrounding states. It also exemplifies one of the largest, most sustained, and best-organized religious migrations in history.

Why did the Latter-day Saints choose the Salt Lake Valley?

The Salt Lake Valley was chosen primarily for its isolation. It was outside the boundaries of any organized territory, offering a place where the Saints believed they could govern themselves and practice their religion without persecution. Its desert environment also made it less appealing to other settlers at the time.

How long did the entire migration period last?

While the first pioneer company arrived in 1847, the organized migration of Latter-day Saints to Utah continued until the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. After that, travel became significantly easier and faster by train, though people continued to move to Utah.

What were the 'handcart companies'?

Handcart companies were groups of pioneers who, between 1856 and 1860, pulled their belongings across the plains in two-wheeled handcarts rather than using wagons drawn by oxen. This method was cheaper but incredibly difficult, especially during harsh winters, leading to significant suffering and loss of life in some companies.

What challenges did the pioneers face?

Pioneers faced extreme weather, including scorching summers and brutal winters; diseases like cholera and scurvy; starvation; exhaustion; difficult terrain (rivers, mountains, deserts); and occasional conflicts with Native American tribes, though many interactions were cooperative.

Sources

Church History Topics, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
National Park Service: Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail