Explain why Brigham Young chose to settle in Utah
Brigham Young chose to settle in Utah because of its isolated location and the potential for economic growth. The area was far away from the United States government, which allowed the Mormons to practice their religion without interference. The area also had abundant natural resources, including timber, minerals, and water, which could be used to build a thriving economy. Additionally, the area had a mild climate and was close to the Rocky Mountains, which provided protection from hostile Native American tribes.
Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in the mid-19th century, played a significant role in the settlement of Utah. Here is an explanation of why Brigham Young chose to settle in Utah:
1. Religious Freedom: In the early 1800s, the LDS Church faced severe persecution and hostility in various parts of the United States due to their unorthodox beliefs and practices. Seeking a place where they could freely practice their religion and establish a community based on their principles, Brigham Young and other church leaders looked for an isolated and unclaimed territory.
2. Isolation and Self-Sufficiency: Young desired a place far away from the influence and persecution of outsiders. Utah, then part of Mexico, had a remote location and was seen as a promising option for building a self-sufficient community isolated from other non-Mormon settlers.
3. Fertile Land and Natural Resources: Utah was known for its fertile soil, access to water, and abundant natural resources. This attracted Young, who wanted to create an agricultural society that could sustain itself and its growing population. The Great Salt Lake nearby also provided a valuable resource, as the Mormons envisioned creating a thriving agricultural economy around it.
4. Colonization and Expansion: Young saw the settlement of Utah as an opportunity for the LDS Church to establish a religious Zion—the ideal community in the Latter-day Saint theology. He envisioned building a "Kingdom of God" where church members could live according to their beliefs and govern themselves.
5. Vision of Gathering: Brigham Young believed in the concept of "gathering," whereby Mormons from various locations would congregate in a designated place. Settling in Utah allowed Young to fulfill his vision of gathering the members of the church into a central location where they could live in close proximity and support each other.
6. Defense and Security: Utah's remote location provided some strategic advantages in terms of defense. Young believed that by settling in a region difficult for outside forces to access, the LDS community could better protect itself from persecution and maintain control over its affairs, including religious practices and governance.
Overall, Brigham Young chose to settle in Utah because of the opportunities it provided for religious freedom, isolation, self-sufficiency, access to resources, colonization, and defense. These factors aligned with his vision for building a religious community and allowed the church to thrive and grow in relative peace and isolation.