Brigham Young, lds leader

01Biography

Born in Vermont, Young joined the Latter-day Saint movement in 1832 and rose to leadership after the murder of founder Joseph Smith in 1844. Driven from Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846, he organised a winter encampment near Omaha and led roughly 2,200 Latter-day Saints west in 1847, following the north bank of the Platte to Fort Laramie and then the Oregon Trail to Fort Bridger before turning south to the Salt Lake Valley. He served as the first governor of Utah Territory.

02Why they matter

Founded Salt Lake City and built the Mormon migration infrastructure (ferries on the North Platte and Green) that benefited every later wagon train.

03How they died

Real history

Died in Salt Lake City on 29 August 1877, aged 76, of complications from peritonitis (likely a ruptured appendix). He was survived by 56 children and an estate later valued at about $1.6 million.

04Legacy

Brigham Young University, Salt Lake City as a major American capital, and the Latter-day Saint church's organisational structure all trace directly to his leadership.

01Biography

02Why they matter

Founded Salt Lake City and built the Mormon migration infrastructure (ferries on the North Platte and Green) that benefited every later wagon train.

03How they died

Real history

Died in Salt Lake City on 29 August 1877, aged 76, of complications from peritonitis (likely a ruptured appendix). He was survived by 56 children and an estate later valued at about $1.6 million.

04Legacy

Brigham Young University, Salt Lake City as a major American capital, and the Latter-day Saint church's organisational structure all trace directly to his leadership.