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Brigham Young was one of the most influential figures in the history of the United States during the 19th century, remembered primarily for his leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and for guiding thousands of Mormon pioneers across the plains to settle in the Salt Lake Valley. His role as a religious leader, colonizer, and territorial governor left a lasting mark on the development of the American West.
Early Life and Conversion:
The hardworking, rural upbringing of 19th-century Vermont defined Brigham Young’s early life. He was born on 1 June 1801 into a family that had limited to no resources; however, throughout his young life, he developed practical skills such as carpentry, painting, and farming as he grew, which would later serve him well in his leadership roles. This period of his life was also marked by personal trials, including the death of his mother when he was young, which forced him to mature quickly and take on significant responsibilities. All these formative experiences instilled in him quite a resilient and self-sufficient character, which shaped the pragmatic approach he would later apply to the challenges of leading a new religious movement.
His conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1832 marked a pivotal turning point in his life. After a period of careful study and personal reflection, he was finally baptized and became a fervent follower of the then LDS Church’s leader, Joseph Smith, and his teachings. It was evident in the beginning that Young’s natural talents as a leader and organizer were quite strong, and the LDS Church was fortunate to have him as a member. He embraced his new faith with exceptional zeal, dedicating himself to missionary work and helping to establish the nascent church, so his early contributions and unwavering loyalty to Smith earned him a place within the church’s highest echelons, where he quickly became an influential figure.
By 1835, Brigham Young’s remarkable leadership qualities were formally recognized when he was ordained as one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which, in fact, is the second-highest governing body of the church. After this, he played a crucial role in directing the missionary efforts of the church in the eastern United States and Europe, notably presiding over the mission to Great Britain from 1839 to 1841. His strategic vision and organizational skills were key points in growing the church’s membership during this turbulent period, and it solidified his position as a key leader and close associate of Joseph Smith.
Leadership After Joseph Smith:
Following the assassination of Joseph Smith in 1844, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced a severe succession crisis. With its founder gone, various leaders vied for control and to implement their vision for the LDS Church, threatening to splinter the young movement. During this period of intense uncertainty, Brigham Young leveraged his position as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which helped him to assert his authority as the rightful successor. His leadership was crucial in stabilizing the church and unifying its members, so by acknowledging that ongoing persecution made life in the United States untenable, Young began to formulate a plan for a large-scale migration to a new, isolated territory where his followers could practice their faith freely.
The exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, commenced in February 1846. The masterful organization by Young was a massive undertaking, which involved thousands of people traveling over 1,609 km (1,000 mi) in one of the largest planned migrations in American history. He implemented a disciplined system of wagon companies, assigning roles and responsibilities to ensure the group’s survival. This arduous journey, remembered in the history books as the Mormon Trail, tested the endurance of every pioneer as they trusted Young for a better life, as they faced extreme weather, limited supplies, and disease. Young’s pragmatic leadership and meticulous planning were instrumental in guiding the Saints through this formidable trek.
Brigham Young and his first group of pioneers reached the desolate yet beautiful Salt Lake Valley on 24 July 1847, and upon arriving, he famously declared, “This is the right place,” signaling an end to their long and arduous pilgrimage. The arrival marked the beginning of a new phase in the Mormons’ lives, as they moved from survival to settlement mode. Young immediately directed his followers to begin building a new society, sending scouting parties to identify resources and delegating the construction of homes, farms, and irrigation systems. His vision went beyond simple survival, aiming to establish a flourishing civilization in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, a goal he would pursue with great zeal in the decades that followed.
Building a New Society in Utah:
As the leader of the LDS Church and later as the first governor of the Utah Territory, Brigham Young played a central role in establishing settlements throughout the somewhat disorganized region. Under his guidance and advice, Mormon pioneers built communities, irrigation systems, and farms that allowed them to thrive in the arid desert landscape, while he encouraged self-sufficiency, education, and communal cooperation, which laid the foundations for a strong and enduring society that is still present to this modern age.
Sadly, Young’s leadership was not without controversy. Many people saw his practice of plural marriage as a personal interpretation of the Bible, and even though he openly defended this, he drew criticism and heightened tensions with the federal government. Still, his strong-willed personality and the theocratic nature of his governance also made him a contentious figure in American politics. Nevertheless, his ability to organize, direct, and inspire ensured that the Mormon community grew rapidly, with tens of thousands of converts migrating from the United States and Europe to settle in Utah.
Legacy and Lasting Impact:
After leading the Latter-day Saints for over three decades, Brigham Young passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 29 August 1877. By the time of his death, he had overseen an extraordinary period of growth and development for the church and its people. He managed to bring the Mormon pioneers to the West, where they successfully established numerous settlements throughout the Intermountain West, and they managed to turn what had previously been a desolate landscape into a burgeoning network of communities. In the end, Brigham Young’s vision and relentless drive transformed the region and shaped it for the future as he and his followers laid the groundwork for what would become today the state of Utah. His pragmatic approach to colonization and his focus on self-sufficiency were crucial in the survival and prosperity of the new society.
The legacy Young left behind is immense, not just for the church but also for the American West. Often referred to as the “American Moses” for his role in leading his followers to their promised land, he is remembered as a pioneering colonizer, a skilled administrator, and an unwavering religious leader. He not only established a new spiritual and political center in the Salt Lake Valley but also created a distinct culture that persists to this day. The institutions and infrastructure he helped build, from temples and schools to irrigation systems, stand as a testament to his enduring influence and continue to shape the social and economic landscape of the region.
Conclusion:
Overall, Brigham Young’s life was defined by vision, resilience, and determination that were unprecedented during his time. As a religious leader and pioneer, he guided his followers through immense challenges, carving out a home in the wilderness and building a foundation for generations to come. His legacy as a founder of modern Utah and a central figure in the expansion of the American frontier ensures his place as one of the most influential leaders in American history.