The Journey: 1846
As the Mormons left Nauvoo, they began their journey to what is now Salt Lake City, Utah. It took them approximately four months to cross Iowa, due to the miserable weather conditions. During this harsh winter, they were faced with axle-deep mud for miles, therefore it was very difficult for them to travel with their wagons. These difficulties made it hard for them to stay organized, but as they pushed on forward, they became more organized and eventually began to travel in groups of 10s, 50s, and 100s. As a way to help out future immigrants who came through this area, they established settlements along the way. In the spring of 1846, around 400 Mormons were dead, due to exposure of severe weather.
During these deadly weather conditions, the Mormons were approached by the US government to assist in the Mexican American War (1846-1848). Five hundred men assembled near Council Bluffs, Iowa and marched to San Diego. These Mormons participated in one of the longest marches in United States history. They were not involved in any battles, but they did help develop many cities in the west.
It took them 120 days, but finally on June 13, 1846, the first group of Mormons arrived at the Missouri river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Some of these Mormons chose to stay here, while others crossed the Missouri River, and discovered "Winter quarters", on the Nebraska side.
During these deadly weather conditions, the Mormons were approached by the US government to assist in the Mexican American War (1846-1848). Five hundred men assembled near Council Bluffs, Iowa and marched to San Diego. These Mormons participated in one of the longest marches in United States history. They were not involved in any battles, but they did help develop many cities in the west.
It took them 120 days, but finally on June 13, 1846, the first group of Mormons arrived at the Missouri river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Some of these Mormons chose to stay here, while others crossed the Missouri River, and discovered "Winter quarters", on the Nebraska side.