Brigham Young's Vision for Western Settlement and Community Building

How Brigham Young led the Latter-day Saints to establish a thriving society in the American West through organized settlement and communal principles.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 5, 2026

Branched from The Handcart Companies: A Unique Chapter in Westward Migration

Quick take

Brigham Young envisioned and led the Latter-day Saints' migration to the Great Basin for religious freedom and self-sufficiency.
His plan focused on highly organized migrations, systematic town planning with a grid system, and communal resource management.
Settlements prioritized self-sustaining agriculture, local industries, and shared labor to thrive in an arid environment.
The vision integrated spiritual and temporal governance, with church leaders guiding both civic and economic life.

Brigham Young's vision was the comprehensive plan and philosophy that guided the Latter-day Saints (Mormons) as they migrated west to the Great Basin in the mid-19th century. It aimed to establish a self-sufficient, spiritually-centered society in an arid wilderness, emphasizing communal effort, organized settlement, and a unique form of religious governance to create a network of thriving communities.

Choosing and Taming the Wilderness

Young strategically chose the isolated Great Basin (present-day Utah) as a refuge, a place where the Saints could practice their religion without persecution. This arid, largely unsettled region presented immense challenges, primarily a lack of rainfall and fertile land. His vision immediately focused on overcoming these hurdles through collective effort. The very first priority upon arrival was to divert mountain streams for irrigation, a massive undertaking that required extensive planning, coordination, and labor from every member of the community. This collective water management became the bedrock of their agricultural success and a model for future settlements.

Organized Migration and Planned Settlements

The migration itself was a testament to Young's organizational genius. Companies were meticulously outfitted with supplies, livestock, and leaders, ensuring a steady, disciplined movement across the plains. Upon arrival, new settlements weren't left to chance. Young's plan dictated a systematic approach: land was surveyed, towns were laid out on a grid system with wide streets and uniform blocks, and public spaces were designated. Land was then allocated based on family size and need, with water rights often held communally. This centralized planning prevented chaotic sprawl and ensured that resources were distributed equitably, fostering a sense of order and shared ownership from the outset.

Self-Sufficiency and Communal Governance

At the heart of Young's vision was the principle of self-sufficiency. Each community was encouraged to produce its own food, build its own homes, and develop local industries—from milling and weaving to ironworks—to minimize reliance on external markets. Cooperation was paramount; members shared labor, resources, and expertise. Church leaders, often serving as civic authorities, oversaw economic development, resolved disputes, and directed the establishment of new settlements. This integrated system of spiritual and temporal governance ensured that resources were pooled for the common good and that every individual contributed to the collective success, transforming a harsh desert into a productive and interconnected society.

Brigham Young's vision matters because it enabled the successful colonization of a vast, challenging region of the American West. It created a unique model of planned community development that prioritized communal welfare, resource management (especially water), and a resilient, self-sustaining economy. The principles he established profoundly shaped the geography, culture, and economic development of Utah and the intermountain West, demonstrating how organized effort and a unified purpose can transform even the most uninviting landscapes into thriving societies.

Was this vision unique for its time?

Yes, while other groups migrated west, the scale, systematic planning, and integrated spiritual-temporal governance of Brigham Young's vision were highly unique. Few other settlements were so comprehensively planned from initial migration to long-term economic and social structure.

How did they manage water in such an arid region?

Water management was central. They developed sophisticated irrigation systems, diverting streams and rivers through a network of canals and ditches. Water rights were often held communally and managed by the community or church, ensuring equitable distribution and efficient use.

What was the "United Order" and how did it relate to this vision?

The United Order was a later, more advanced attempt to implement communal economic principles, where members consecrated their property to the church and received stewardships to manage for the common good. While not universally adopted or permanently sustained, it was an extension of Young's broader vision for economic cooperation and self-sufficiency, aiming for a more egalitarian and communally-owned society.

Did all settlements follow the exact same plan?

While the core principles and general layout (grid system, central square) were consistent, there was flexibility based on local geography and resources. Each settlement adapted the general blueprint to its specific environment, but the underlying philosophy of planned development, cooperation, and self-sufficiency remained constant.

This is the right place. Drive on.Brigham Young, upon entering the Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847

Sources

General historical accounts of Latter-day Saint settlement in the American West.