The Mormon Experience in Omaha

Mormons wanted to worship in peace U.S. Govt promised they could have a large piece of land west of the Wasatch Mts in Utah 1 req., they had to survey a route to the west & send their reports back They led & opened a route to the west for everyone to follow Brigham Young

Young left Nauvoo, IL on 4 February 1846 The trail followed paths that trappers had made Groups were made up of 10 to 100 families led by a “captain” Groups could cover miles a day, (10-15 if pulling a hand cart) Knowing that others would follow, groups planted food & left markers for water The route is very similar to I-80

The route was approx 1,032 miles (Omaha to Salt Lake City) 6,000 died (illness/accidents) Each member of the group was req. to help out No travel on Sundays 1846 – 1848 route in use During the Winter months, Mormons camped in North Omaha (30 th & State Streets) This area was known as the “Winter Quarters”

The Mormons crossed the Missouri River at Bellevue and met w/ Peter Sarpy, the American Fur Trading Representative Sarpy couldn’t help them-he sent them to the area of Florence The Indians up there made a deal w/ the Mormons The deal was they would show the Mormons how to grow winter crops and get fish In exchange, the Mormons gave the Indians a cut of whatever they grew or caught

Bellevue Marina, Bellevue, Nebraska Hwy 370 *Fontenell Forest Reserve Area

Looking from the North

Early pioneer family who buried 1 of his nine children in Omaha Buried all 9 of his children to include his wife by the time he got to SLC.

Located at 33 rd & State streets It’s Free! Great displays! Extra Credit Opportunity!

Kanesville, Iowa