The Mormon Trails

Of some interest are the variant routes used by Mormon emigrants and immigrants from 1846 to 1868. This information was gathered to support two bills in the 107th Congress, H.R. 37 and S. 213 (sponsored by Senators Hatch and Bennett of Utah). The purpose of the two identical bills is to expand recognition of the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail to include significant routes used by Mormons heading west other than the exact route followed by Brigham Young in 1846 and 1847. Material for this section was gathered from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Stanley B. Kimball, and the resources of the History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered under the direction of Mel Bashore. From these same sources a summary of each year’s emigration was also compiled.

The Perpetual Emigration Fund (PEF) was a pivotal initiative established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1849 to assist members in migrating to Utah. By providing loans to cover travel expenses, the fund enabled thousands of converts from Europe and other regions to join the Saints in the American West. This program not only facilitated the gathering of the faithful but also played a crucial role in the settlement and development of Utah and surrounding areas. The legacy of the PEF continues to be celebrated as a remarkable example of communal support and dedication to faith.