Mormon Trail Map - Path of the Mormon Pioneer Trail
Mormon Trail Map Information
The Mormon Trail or the Mormon Pioneer Trail is the 1,300-mile route that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints traveled from 1846 to 1868. Today the Mormon Trail is part of the U.S. National Trails System, called the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.
The Mormon Trail starts from Nauvoo, Illinois, which was the major settlement of the Latter-Day Saints from about 1839 to 1846, to Utah's Salt Lake City, which was settled by their leader Brigham Young and his followers beginning in 1847. From Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Fort Bridger in the state of Wyoming, the Mormon Trail follows much the same route(s) as the Oregon Trail and the California Trail; these two trails are collectively known as the Emigrant Trail.
The Mormon pioneer movement began in 1846 when, in the face of angry conflicts with neighbors, Brigham Young decided to leave and abandon Nauvoo and to re-establish a new home for the church in the Great Basin area. That year Young's followers crossed the state of Iowa. Along the way, some were assigned to establish smaller node settlements and to plant and harvest crops for later emigrants following. During the winter of 1846–47, the emigrants wintered in Iowa and other nearby states and the unorganized state territory that later became Nebraska, with the largest group staying in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. In the spring of 1847, Young led the followers to the Salt Lake Valley, which was then outside the boundaries of the United States and later became the state of Utah. During the first few years, the emigrants were mostly former occupants of the settlement of Nauvoo who were following Young's path to Utah. Later, the emigrants increasingly comprised of converts from the far-off British Isles and Europe.
Once the Mormon settlers crossed the Missouri River, they entered the plains Indian territories and left the safety of the United States. At the beginning, most plains tribes did not have a problem with a few settlers passing through their lands. However, the many years of settlers moving through their native lands caused conflict. Many became hostile, and this is one of the reasons why the Mormon Trail dips north and south a lot and has alternate routes. If they could avoid any conflict with hostile Indians, they would travel the extra miles. In what is now Nebraska, Mormon Pioneers had to pass through many native tribal lands of the Omaha, Ponca, Pawnee, Lakota Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. Most of the Indian treaties that were signed were not until the 1870s, so any conflicts had to be settled without U.S. local laws. The travel through the Indian territories was mixed since the plains region was still not part of the United States and was not widely settled. Some of the friendlier tribes set up trading posts near the many settlements and forts along the trail to trade with the pioneers. However, the Mormon Pioneers and Oregon Trail travelers were still running the gauntlet from fort to fort until they got out of this territory to their destinations. Any tension or run-ins with local Indians made the trip that much more dangerous. This is why there are so many large enclosed forts built along the trail. These include Fort Kearney in Nebraska, Fort Laramie in Wyoming, Fort Casper in Wyoming, and Fort Bridger in Wyoming. Most of these forts were established around the 1840s to protect the many pioneers. Many unlucky pioneers that encountered angry warrior scouts between forts had to barter their passage by trading flour, bacon, and other items valuable to the Indians.
The Mormon Trail landmarks and stops used to gauge progress across the trail include: Sugar Creek, Richardson's Point, Chariton River Crossing, Locust Creek, Garden Grove, Mount Pisgah, Nishnabotna River Crossing, Grand Encampment, Kanesville, Winter Quarters, Elkhorn River, Platte River, Loup Fork, Fort Kearny, Confluence Point, Ash Hollow, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, Fort Laramie, Upper Platte/Mormon Ferry, Red Butte, Sweetwater River, Independence Rock, Devil's Gate, Martin's Cove, Rocky Ridge, Rock Creek, South Pass, Green River/Lombard Ferry, Fort Bridger, Bear River, The Needles, Echo Canyon, Big Mountain, Golden Pass Road, Emigration Canyon, and Salt Lake Valley.
The Mormon Trail landmarks and stops used to gauge progress across the trail include the following:
- Sugar Creek – This was the first encampment of the Mormon pioneers after leaving Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846, marking the beginning of their arduous journey west.
- Richardson's Point – Known as the site where some of the early Mormon pioneers faced severe weather and loss of life, it served as a temporary camp in southeastern Iowa.
- Chariton River Crossing – A significant river crossing in Iowa, where pioneers often faced muddy, challenging conditions. It was a place to rest and regroup before continuing westward.
- Locust Creek – A difficult section of the trail due to swampy conditions, making travel slow and laborious. The pioneers made important repairs to their wagons here.
- Garden Grove – Established by the pioneers as one of the first semi-permanent settlements in Iowa. It provided a supply station and temporary housing for those who needed to stop and plant crops.
- Mount Pisgah – Another temporary Mormon settlement in Iowa, Mount Pisgah was a resting point for many travelers, providing food and supplies. It became one of the key waystations for those traveling west.
- Nishnabotna River Crossing – One of the river crossings on the trail that posed challenges during high water. It was important for pioneers to carefully manage river crossings to avoid delays.
- Grand Encampment – A key gathering point in present-day Nebraska, where the pioneers would organize and prepare for the long journey ahead. It often served as a staging area before crossing the Missouri River.
- Kanesville (Council Bluffs) – A bustling Mormon settlement and outfitting point near the Missouri River. Many pioneers stopped here to gather supplies before moving on to Winter Quarters.
- Winter Quarters – Located near present-day Omaha, Nebraska, this was a major Mormon settlement during the winter of 1846-1847. Pioneers faced harsh conditions but also used the time to rest and resupply for the journey ahead.
- Elkhorn River – A river crossing in Nebraska where pioneers would often wait for favorable conditions to cross the sometimes dangerous waters.
- Platte River – The trail followed the Platte River for a significant distance, using it as a lifeline for water and a guide westward. The relatively flat terrain along the river helped ease the journey.
- Loup Fork – A tributary of the Platte River, this crossing could be difficult, especially during times of high water, forcing the pioneers to construct makeshift ferries to cross.
- Fort Kearny – A U.S. Army fort established to protect travelers and provide supplies. It was a key resupply point for pioneers traveling on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
- Confluence Point – Where the North Platte and South Platte Rivers meet, this point was significant for the trail as the pioneers continued to follow the Platte River’s route west.
- Ash Hollow – A key stop on the trail in Nebraska with access to fresh water, grass, and timber. The descent into Ash Hollow was steep, and many pioneers struggled with wagon breaks here.
- Chimney Rock – One of the most famous landmarks on the trail, this towering rock formation in present-day Nebraska signaled progress for the pioneers. It was often noted in diaries as a major point of reference.
- Scotts Bluff – A prominent natural landmark near Chimney Rock. The bluff served as a guidepost for travelers and offered a challenging but scenic passage along the trail.
- Fort Laramie – A crucial resupply point in Wyoming. Fort Laramie provided protection and a place for pioneers to purchase food, trade goods, and make necessary repairs to wagons and equipment.
- Upper Platte/Mormon Ferry – Pioneers constructed ferries to cross the Upper Platte River, avoiding dangerous fords. This allowed them to safely continue their journey westward.
- Red Butte – A striking red sandstone formation along the trail, serving as both a landmark and a campsite for the pioneers as they moved into the Wyoming territory.
- Sweetwater River – The trail followed the Sweetwater River for many miles through Wyoming, offering water and relief from the arid conditions. It became a critical lifeline for the pioneers and their livestock.
- Independence Rock – Another major landmark, this large granite rock was often referred to as the “Register of the Desert” because many pioneers carved their names on its surface. Reaching it by July 4 was a goal, signaling good progress.
- Devil's Gate – A narrow gorge carved by the Sweetwater River in Wyoming. The landmark was notable for its dramatic scenery and was often written about by travelers passing through.
- Martin's Cove – A significant location in Mormon history where members of the Martin Handcart Company were forced to seek refuge during a severe snowstorm in 1856. It’s a place of great reverence for many.
- Rocky Ridge – One of the more challenging portions of the trail, known for its rugged terrain. It was especially difficult for handcart pioneers during the winter months.
- Rock Creek – Another significant crossing on the trail, where pioneers often stopped to rest before moving onward through difficult terrain.
- South Pass – The most important mountain pass on the trail, located in Wyoming. It provided a relatively easy crossing of the Continental Divide, essential for westward travelers.
- Green River/Lombard Ferry – A challenging river crossing in Wyoming, where ferries were often required to safely navigate the swift waters of the Green River.
- Fort Bridger – Established as a trading post and later a military fort, it was a key stop for resupply and repairs. Fort Bridger marked a turning point as the trail began to approach the mountainous regions.
- Bear River – The trail followed this river as it wound through present-day Wyoming and Idaho, offering a consistent water source and relatively easy travel along its banks.
- The Needles – Unique rock formations along the trail, offering another recognizable landmark to signal the pioneers were on the correct path.
- Echo Canyon – A narrow, steep-walled canyon in Utah that provided a passage through the mountains. Its red cliffs were often described by pioneers in their journals.
- Big Mountain – One of the final major obstacles for the pioneers. The climb up and over Big Mountain was a difficult section before descending into the Salt Lake Valley.
- Golden Pass Road – This road was built by the pioneers to facilitate easier access over the mountains and into the Salt Lake Valley.
- Emigration Canyon – The final stretch of the trail leading into the Salt Lake Valley. Brigham Young and the first group of pioneers emerged from this canyon to their new home in the valley below.
- Salt Lake Valley – The ultimate destination for the Mormon pioneers. Upon reaching the valley in July 1847, Brigham Young declared it the future home of the Latter-day Saints, ending the long and arduous journey west.
Mormon Handcarts: Construction, Use, and Challenges
The handcarts used by Mormon pioneers were handmade by the travelers themselves or at outfitting stations along the trail, such as those in Iowa City, Iowa. These handcarts were human-powered, as many of the pioneers could not afford oxen or wagons. The design was simple but effective: they were essentially two-wheeled carts with wooden frames, resembling large wheelbarrows.
Construction
The carts were constructed with wooden wheels, axles, and shafts. The wheels were iron-rimmed for durability, while the rest of the cart was built from readily available materials like pine or oak. Each cart typically had a wooden box mounted between the wheels to hold belongings. Pioneers often had to make repairs along the trail due to the rugged conditions.
Human Power and Balance
Handcarts were designed to be pulled by humans, and usually, two to four people would share the load of pulling the cart. The handcarts had handles at the front for pulling and often a rear handle for pushing, making them balanced enough for the pioneers to manage. However, the carts were not particularly easy to pull, especially on rough terrain or during bad weather. The carts could be difficult to maneuver over rocky ground, up hills, or through mud.
Load Capacity
The average handcart was designed to carry about 500 pounds of goods, including food, clothing, tents, and personal items. However, many pioneers were forced to carry less to lighten the load, as pulling a fully loaded cart for hundreds of miles was extremely demanding. Each family or small group shared a cart, and most items had to be rationed and carefully packed to avoid overburdening the cart.
Challenges and Hardships
Although the handcarts were a cost-effective solution for many Mormon pioneers, they presented significant challenges. Fatigue was common, as the pioneers often walked an average of 10 to 20 miles per day while pulling the carts. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, and heat made the journey even more difficult. Additionally, handcarts were prone to breaking, and pioneers had to stop frequently to make repairs using whatever materials they could find along the trail.
Despite these hardships, the handcart pioneers were known for their perseverance and determination. They were able to cover great distances with limited resources, helping to pave the way for future westward migrations.
Early Mormon Settlements After Reaching Salt Lake City
When the Mormon pioneers first reached the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, under the leadership of Brigham Young, they initially stayed close to the area around the present-day site of the Salt Lake Temple. This area was designated as the center of their new community, where they began constructing the Salt Lake Temple and organizing the layout of the city. However, the settlers did not stay confined to this central location for long.
Expansion and Settling the Surrounding Areas
Very quickly, the Mormon pioneers began to fan out across the valley and beyond. Settlements extended to the north and south of the Salt Lake Valley, as well as into other valleys and regions of the present-day state of Utah. The pioneers sought fertile land, water resources, and areas where they could create self-sufficient agricultural communities. These early settlements were generally referred to as "colonies" or "outposts", since they were not yet fully developed towns or cities.
Early Settlements
Some of the earliest settlements outside of Salt Lake City included:
- Bountiful (originally called North Canyon Ward) – Settled in 1847, it was located north of Salt Lake City and became one of the first outlying settlements in the valley.
- Ogden – Located further north, this area began to see settlers as early as 1848. It later grew into one of the key settlements in northern Utah.
- Provo – To the south of Salt Lake City, settlers moved into the Utah Valley near Utah Lake in 1849. Provo became a major agricultural and educational hub.
- Manti – Located in the Sanpete Valley to the south, Manti was settled in 1849 and was one of the first significant Mormon colonies in central Utah.
- Parowan and Cedar City – These settlements were established further to the south in 1851 as part of the "Iron Mission," an effort to develop Utah’s iron resources.
Control and Leadership of the Settlements
The settlements were largely controlled and directed by the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), particularly Brigham Young, who acted as both the spiritual and political leader of the Mormon community. The Church organized and oversaw the settlement of new areas through a centralized, theocratic government. Brigham Young and the LDS Church leadership would designate settlers for specific missions or locations, focusing on agriculture, mining, or other industries that would support the community's growth and self-sufficiency.
Each settlement was governed by local Church leaders who reported back to Brigham Young and the Church hierarchy in Salt Lake City. The settlements were designed with a grid system, centering around communal spaces like meetinghouses, and they followed a cooperative, community-driven model where resources and labor were often shared.
Trouble with the U.S. Government
Relations between the Mormon settlers and the U.S. government were tense, particularly in the 1850s. The Utah Territory was officially created in 1850, with Brigham Young appointed as the first territorial governor. However, due to concerns over the Church’s control of both religious and political matters in the region, tensions escalated into what became known as the Utah War (1857-1858).
President James Buchanan, fearing that the Mormons were defying federal authority, sent the U.S. Army to Utah in 1857. This conflict did not result in large-scale fighting, but it did lead to the temporary evacuation of Salt Lake City by Mormon settlers in preparation for potential conflict. The so-called Utah Expedition ended with negotiations, and federal troops were stationed in the area, though Brigham Young remained a dominant figure in Utah.
Despite this early tension, the Mormons continued to settle areas throughout the Utah Territory, which later expanded into regions of present-day Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and Wyoming. Many of these settlements remained isolated, self-sufficient, and under the strong influence of the LDS Church well into the late 19th century.
Signs and Remains Along the Mormon Trail
Many of the landmarks along the Mormon Trail feature signs, remains, and historical markers that preserve the memory of the pioneers' journey. Some of the most notable landmarks with visible remains include:
- Independence Rock – This famous landmark is where many pioneers carved their names into the rock, earning it the nickname "Register of the Desert." Many of these inscriptions are still visible today, though weathered. Visitors can climb the rock and see the names and dates carved by pioneers in the mid-1800s.
- Devil’s Gate – Near Independence Rock, Devil’s Gate features inscriptions and remnants of pioneer passage. Although no visible wagon tracks are present, the gorge remains a dramatic landmark that was important for trail travelers.
- Martin's Cove – Martin's Cove holds special historical significance, particularly for the Martin Handcart Company. While there are no visible wagon ruts, several monuments and signs commemorate the hardships the pioneers endured. Visitors can walk along trails that follow the path of the handcart pioneers.
- South Pass – At South Pass, wagon ruts can still be seen, preserved by the desert environment. This wide, gentle slope allowed for a natural crossing of the Continental Divide, and the marks of pioneer wagons are visible in certain areas.
- Chimney Rock – Although no wagon tracks are visible here, Chimney Rock was a key landmark. Today, it is part of the Chimney Rock National Historic Site, which includes interpretive signs and a visitor center explaining its significance on the trail.
- Scotts Bluff – Several areas near Scotts Bluff preserve wagon ruts, and the Oregon Trail Museum provides detailed information about the history of the trail. The wagon tracks carved by thousands of wagons can still be seen in some protected areas around the bluff.
- Fort Laramie – Fort Laramie has well-preserved original buildings and artifacts from the time when pioneers passed through. While no wagon tracks remain, the fort offers interpretive displays and restored structures that showcase its importance as a supply and communication hub.
- Ash Hollow – Wagon ruts are still visible near Ash Hollow, where pioneers faced a steep descent. Today, these ruts are part of Ash Hollow State Historical Park, where visitors can follow the path of the pioneers.
- Fort Bridger – Fort Bridger has been restored and is now a state historic site. Although wagon ruts are not prominent in this area, the fort's buildings have been preserved, and interpretive signs explain its role in the westward migration.
- Emigration Canyon – While the wagon ruts in Emigration Canyon have faded due to modern development, the route is well documented, and historical markers indicate where the pioneers traveled. The canyon was the final stretch before entering the Salt Lake Valley.
- Echo Canyon – In Echo Canyon, wagon ruts are no longer visible, but the canyon's unique red cliffs and narrow passages remain much the same as they were for the pioneers. Interpretive signs guide visitors through the historical importance of the area.
- Fort Kearny – Fort Kearny has been reconstructed as a historic site where visitors can learn about the pioneers' journey. While no wagon ruts remain, the fort has exhibits and buildings that help bring the pioneer experience to life.
Many of these landmarks along the Mormon Trail still have visible wagon ruts, inscriptions, and preserved sites that allow visitors to connect with the past. National and state parks, along with historical societies, protect these landmarks, making them accessible to modern travelers.
Trail Facts
- Length: 1,300 miles
- Years in Service: 1846 to 1868
- Elevation Gains: Approx. 4,000 to 8,000 feet
- Deaths on Trail: Estimated 6,000
- Forgers of Trail: Brigham Young and LDS Church pioneers
- Stops: Over 30 key landmarks and forts
- River Crossings: Platte River, Sweetwater River, and more
- Forts on Route: Fort Kearny, Fort Laramie, Fort Casper, Fort Bridger
- Average Temperatures: 30°F to 90°F, depending on the season
- Native Tribes Encountered: Omaha, Ponca, Pawnee, Lakota Sioux, Arapaho, Cheyenne
- Average Items Taken: Flour, bacon, beans, coffee, blankets, tools
- Number of Horses: Estimated 20,000
- Number of Oxen: Estimated 40,000
- Number of Carts: Estimated 3,000 handcarts
- Number of Wagons: Estimated 2,000 wagons
- Average Meal on Trail: Bacon, beans, and coffee
- Average Family Size: 6 to 8 members
Data source NPS.
Map Copyright CCCARTO 2024