The Mormon Trail, Yesterday and Today

by William E. Hill
216 pages, Paperback, 1996
 
The author of this book and his wife visits our station frequently throughout the year, and autographs our copies, as well. Hill authors many different historical books on the Oregon, California, Santa Fe, and Lewis and Clark Trails. 
 
Part history, resource guide, and photographic essay, this book is an essential reference for readers of all ages who are interested in the Mormon trek west. 
Driven from their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois, Mormons, under the leadership of Brigham Young, began in 1846 their journey west to an expected haven in the Great Salt Lake Valley. The first party arrived there in July 1847. Thousands of members and converts later followed the Mormon Trail which for much of its way traced the route of the Oregon and California Trails, although it generally stayed across the Platte River from the more-traveled way. 
 
This book also includes a chronology of trail-related events, excerpts from diaries and guidebooks, songs, historical maps, over 200 then and now illustrations, descriptions of major museums and displays on the trail, and recommendations for further reading.