Mike Kennedy: “On February 25, 1846, beleaguered residents of Nauvoo, Illinois, began leaving their homes and farms behind, crossing…”

“On February 25, 1846, beleaguered residents of Nauvoo, Illinois, began leaving their homes and farms behind, crossing the frozen Mississippi River by ferry and wagon to escape persecution. Only the sickest and poorest remained behind, and even they were finally forced out by mob action. All crossed Iowa to Nebraska, just north of Omaha, their winter quarters on the Missouri River. Why do I bring up these sad memories from long ago? Utah still celebrates the day when they finally arrived at a place of safety, the valley of the Great Salt Lake, on July 24, 1847. July 24 is a State holiday for Utahns. Those hardy, resilient pioneers, carrying with them the sick and desperately poor from burning Nauvoo, found temporary refuge among the kind members of the Omaha Tribe. They made an agreement with the Omaha through their Chief, Big Elk, who welcomed the pioneers, understanding the trouble they had recently escaped. The pioneers would stay in residence, building houses, planting gardens and fields, and then move on after 2 years to ensure all of their number had enough time and resources to make the trip West. Afterwards, the improvements would belong to the Omaha. This vanguard party of 148 pioneers, who had been on the road for 111 days, followed Brigham Young down Emigration Canyon into the Salt Lake Valley.”