Mormons
The Mormons were a Christian religious group who were important in the movement West.
Beliefs
Mormons believed that their leader Joseph Smith had been visited by an angel, Moroni. Moroni had helped Joseph Smith translate signs and symbols from gold plates he had uncovered. The story from the plates explained that an angel Mormon and his son Moroni had survived an enormous battle between the American tribes and the tribes of Israel many years before Christ was born.
Smith and his followers believed it was their job to prepare the World for the second coming of Jesus to earth.
These beliefs were very different from other Christian groups which caused suspicion, prejudice and hatred.
The Mormon Community
Smith had many hundreds of followers in New York. People claimed Smith was a fraud and Mormons were routinely attacked.
They moved to
Kirtland, Ohio. Here they planned a City of God. Throughout the 1830s many
thousands of Mormons settled on Kirtland. In 1837 Kirtland was hit by a
financial crisis. The Mormons were blamed and hounded out of town.
The Mormons next
followed Smith to Missouri. Again they were distrusted and suffered persecution.
Local believed them to be in league with the Indians and in favour of abolishing
slavery. By 1845 Smith had announced he would stand for President, and in
confused scene in prison in Kirtland he was shot dead.
Brigham Young became
the new leader of the Mormons and took them further West to the barren valley of
Salt Lake, where free from persecution and prejudice they could live together in
a holy community.
As an outstanding
leader Young moved 15,000 people into the Plains, he made the experience a
binding one which brought Mormons together as they travelled over 2,000km to
Salt Lake.
Beliefs and Origins of the Mormons
Salt Lake City
Leaders |
Joseph Smith |
Brigham Young
Key dates
|
1837
Financial Crisis |
1844
Death of Joseph Smith | |