Brigham Young – Leading the Mormons
Brigham Young, a name synonymous with the westward expansion of the Mormon faith, stands as a pivotal figure in American history. His multifaceted legacy encompasses leadership, colonization, religious influence, and undeniable controversy. He led the Mormon movement to Utah, served as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 to 1877, and held the distinguished position of the first territorial governor of Utah. While lauded for his remarkable accomplishments and profound historical impact, Brigham Young also faced significant criticism for certain events that transpired during the 19th century, shaping a complex and often debated narrative.
Born on June 1, 1801, in the quaint town of Whitingham, Vermont, Brigham Young entered the world as the ninth of eleven children born to John Young and Abigail "Nabby" Howe. His early life was characterized by practical skills, as he honed his abilities as a carpenter and blacksmith. In 1824, he embarked on married life with Miriam Angeline Works, and together they had two daughters. A turning point arrived with the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Intrigued by its teachings, Brigham Young immersed himself in its pages, eventually leading him to embrace Mormonism and join the burgeoning church in 1832. Sadly, the year he joined the church, his wife Miriam passed away.
In 1833, Brigham Young made a pivotal move to Kirtland, Ohio, a significant center for the early Mormon community. His dedication and leadership potential were quickly recognized, and in 1835, he was ordained an apostle. This marked his formal inclusion in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, solidifying his position as one of the inaugural members of this influential body. During the 1840s, Brigham Young dedicated himself to missionary work, traveling extensively in England and within the United States. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, which was intended to be a new haven for the growing Mormon population.
The assassination of Joseph Smith, the charismatic founder and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1844, created a vacuum of power and leadership. Brigham Young, through his established position and respected standing within the church, emerged as the successor to Smith. This transition was not without its challenges, as various factions within the church vied for leadership. However, Young’s pragmatic approach and unwavering commitment to the faith ultimately secured his position.
Under Brigham Young’s leadership, the Mormon community faced increasing persecution in Illinois. Driven by a desire for religious freedom and a safe haven for their unique way of life, Young orchestrated a monumental exodus westward. In 1847, he led his followers on a grueling journey to the uncharted territories of present-day Utah. This arduous trek, marked by hardship and sacrifice, would become a defining chapter in Mormon history and solidify Young’s reputation as a visionary leader.
Upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young immediately began the task of establishing a new home for his people. He envisioned a self-sufficient community built on the principles of cooperation, hard work, and faith. As the colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, he meticulously planned the city’s layout, infrastructure, and social institutions. His leadership extended beyond religious matters when President Millard Fillmore appointed him as the territory’s first governor and superintendent of Indian affairs. In this dual role, Young oversaw the establishment of settlements throughout Utah, organized a militia for protection, initiated Indian missions aimed at fostering peaceful relations, directed the construction of roads and infrastructure, and established businesses and services to ensure the territory’s self-sufficiency.
However, Brigham Young’s tenure as governor was not without its challenges and controversies. Reports reached federal officials alleging that Young was selectively appointing only Mormons to government positions, raising concerns about fairness and representation. In response, President Buchanan decided to replace Young with a non-Mormon governor, a decision that ignited the Utah War. This conflict, lasting from May 1857 to July 1858, involved a series of tense standoffs and military posturing, although actual battles between the opposing forces were limited.
The Utah War was fraught with tension and mistrust, culminating in a tragic event that would forever stain the legacy of Brigham Young and the Mormon community. At the height of the conflict, members of the Fancher-Baker wagon train, a group of emigrants traveling through Utah, were brutally slaughtered on September 11, 1857, in what became known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The extent of Young’s involvement in this horrific event has been a subject of intense debate and controversy ever since. While John D. Lee, the only Mormon officially punished for the massacre, claimed he acted under Young’s direct orders, the church leader was ultimately pardoned for any alleged role in the atrocity. The truth surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre remains shrouded in conflicting accounts and unanswered questions.
Despite the immense pressure and accusations, Brigham Young remained steadfast in his commitment to his people. Unwilling to relinquish control of the territory, he initially considered drastic measures, including burning Salt Lake City and relocating his followers to Mexico. However, at the last minute, he relented and agreed to step down as governor on April 12, 1858. While no longer holding political office, Young continued to exert significant influence as the leader of the church and the vast majority of Utah’s population. Relations between Young and future governors were often complex and varied, marked by periods of cooperation and tension.
Following his resignation as governor, Brigham Young redirected his focus toward building thriving Mormon communities and businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit and organizational skills proved invaluable in establishing various enterprises that contributed to the economic prosperity of the region.
The completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory, Utah, in 1869, presented both opportunities and challenges for Young’s vision of a self-sufficient Mormon society. While the railroad facilitated trade and transportation, it also threatened to disrupt the established Mormon way of life by bringing an influx of outsiders into the territory. In response, Young implemented strategies to safeguard Mormon prosperity and maintain their cultural identity. These included establishing Mormon-controlled monopolies and advocating for women’s suffrage, which significantly increased the number of Mormon voters.
The controversial practice of polygamy continued to generate public outcry and scrutiny. In 1871, Brigham Young was brought to trial under an 1862 federal law that prohibited polygamy in US territories. Despite the legal challenges, he was eventually acquitted, further fueling the debate surrounding the issue.
Legal troubles continued to plague Brigham Young in his later years. He was indicted for being an accessory to the murder of Robert Yates, an incident that occurred in 1857. Although Bill Hickman eventually confessed to the killing, Young and other military commanders were held liable for the military operation that resulted in Yates’s death. While other leaders were jailed at Fort Douglas, Young was placed under "house arrest." The charges were ultimately dismissed a year later. Authorities also revisited the Mountain Meadows Massacre, attempting to establish Young’s complicity, but prosecutors were unable to produce sufficient evidence.
The arrest and trial of John D. Lee in 1874 brought the Mountain Meadows Massacre back into the spotlight. Lee initially testified that Brigham Young had no prior knowledge of the event. However, he later changed his story, claiming that General George A. Smith, acting under Young’s direct command, had visited southern Utah to prepare the people for the extermination of the Fancher wagon train. Lee was found guilty and executed in 1877, leaving the question of Young’s role in the massacre unresolved.
Shortly after Lee’s trial, on August 29, 1877, Brigham Young passed away. He was laid to rest in the Pioneer Mormon Cemetery in Salt Lake City. His death did not quell the federal government’s efforts to dismantle Mormon theocracy and suppress the practice of polygamy. In 1882, Congress passed the Edmunds Act, which reaffirmed the illegality of polygamy and imposed stricter penalties. The Mormon church initially resisted the law, but relentless government prosecution eventually forced them to relinquish the practice on October 6, 1890. In 1896, Utah was finally admitted into the Union as the 45th state.
Beyond the controversies and political battles, Brigham Young’s legacy also includes significant contributions to the cultural and educational landscape of Utah. He oversaw the establishment of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, a renowned musical ensemble that has captivated audiences worldwide. He also played a key role in founding the University of Deseret, now the University of Utah, and the Brigham Young Academy, which later evolved into Brigham Young University, both institutions of higher learning.
Furthermore, Young’s entrepreneurial ventures extended to transportation, manufacturing, and real estate. He established wagon express companies, ferryboat services, and even a railroad. His manufacturing endeavors included lumber and wool mills, an iron operation, and a distillery. His most lucrative business, however, was in real estate. By the time of his death, he had amassed a considerable fortune, estimated at approximately $600,000, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Utah.
In addition to the Mountain Meadows controversy, Brigham Young faced criticism for his views on race. In 1847, he implemented a church policy denying Mormon priesthood to individuals of African descent, a practice that remained in effect until its repeal in 1978. Statements attributed to Young, published in the Mormon Journal of Discourses, reflected prejudiced beliefs about African Americans.
Polygamy remains one of the most debated aspects of Young’s life and legacy. While he did not initiate the practice, he became one of its most ardent proponents, marrying 56 wives and fathering 57 children. At the time of his death, 19 of his wives had predeceased him, 10 had been divorced, 23 survived him, and the status of the remaining four was unknown.
Brigham Young’s life was a complex tapestry woven with threads of leadership, religious conviction, colonization, and controversy. His impact on the development of Utah and the Mormon faith is undeniable, yet his legacy remains subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate.
