Brigham Young

Actions as Church President

After three years under the Quorum of the Twelve, Young reorganized a new First Presidency and was declared President of the largest remaining schism in 1847. Repeated conflict led Young to relocate his group of Latter-day Saints to a territory in what is now Utah; then part of Mexico. Young organized the journey that would take the faithful to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, in 1846, then to Utah's Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, a date now recognized as a Utah state holiday and known as Pioneer Day. Jonathan Browning, father of gun designer John Browning, accompanied the migration of pioneers to Utah.

Related Topics:
First Presidency - Utah - Mexico - Winter Quarters - Nebraska - 1846 - Salt Lake Valley - July 24 - 1847 - Holiday - Pioneer Day - Jonathan Browning - John Browning

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In Utah, Young directed religious and economic matters. He encouraged independence and self-sufficiency. Many cities and towns in Utah, and some in neighboring states, were founded under Young's direction. Some have accused Young of being an autocrat during his leadership in Utah http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555412/Young_Brigham.html. Others disagree with this assessment, recognizing Young as a strong, inspiring leader during a challenging era, and further noting that his reputation and legacy are generally well-regarded. Abraham Lincoln, at the time the transcontinental telegram wire was laid across Utah, worked together with Brigham Young rather than with the federally-appointed governor of the territory.

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A recurrent question is the nature or extent of Young's involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the killing of some 120 members of a non-Mormon wagon train near Cedar City, Utah in 1857. Authorities in Cedar City had sent a messenger to Salt Lake City seeking direction from Young, but his response—directing them to leave the wagon party alone—arrived too late to avert the massacre. Some historians are unconvinced that this would absolve Young from responsibility, given the extent of his authority and influence as the leader of the Mormons.

Related Topics:
Mountain Meadows Massacre - Cedar City, Utah

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In addition to founding the University of Utah, Young also organized the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Brigham Young University is named after him. In 1950, the state of Utah donated a marble statue of Young to the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection.

Related Topics:
University of Utah - Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Brigham Young University - 1950 - U.S. Capitol - National Statuary Hall Collection

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For an overview of Brigham Young's philosophy and teachings, see the book "Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints," by Hugh Nibley.

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