~Good Resources to Learn about the Handcart Pioneers~

The Church has a wonderful site that lists all the known primary sources for each emigrant company and includes transcripts for documents in the public domain. It is on the following internet site:

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysources/0,16272,4019-1-192.00.html

This is a map to get to the site listed above:

lds.org.>About the Church>Church History>Church History and Archives>Resources Available>Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel

Many books are available for purchase, about early church history and the migration to Utah, including the following:

1. The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers, Andrew D. Olson, 2006, Deseret Book Co. It includes the details of the events that transpired in separate sections for the two companies. Also includes significant journal entries, and follow-up research about the lives of many of those who survived. One of the most informative and authoritative books to date.

2. The Sweetwater Rescue: The Martin and Willie Handcart Story, Heidi S. Swinton and Lee Groberg, 2006, Covenant Communications, American Fork, UT. Story of the handcart companies, and also includes a host of new artwork relating to the handcart experience; also has a companion DVD.

3. The Mormon Trail, Yesterday and Today, William Hill. 1996, Utah State University Press, Logan, UT. It includes an historical introduction, a chronology, excerpts from trail diaries, along with maps, over 200 then-and-now photos, and descriptions of major museums and displays along the trail.

4. Handcarts to Zion, The Story of a Unique Western Migration, 1856-1860. LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen. 1992. Bison Books. It draws on diaries and reports of the participants, rosters of the ten companies, and a collection of the songs sung on the trail and at “The Gathering.”

5. Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail, Slaughter and Landon. 1997, Shadow Mountain, Salt lake City, UT. Also has an accompanying Video/DVD. It gives an overview of Church history.

6. Their Faces Toward Zion: Voices and Images of the Trek West, Richard Holzaphel. 1996, Bookcraft, Salt Lake city, UT. Overview of Church History and a number of pictures related to various events.

7. 111 Days to Zion, The Day-By-Day Trek of the Mormon Pioneers, Hal Knight and Dr. Stanley B. Kimball, 1997, Big Moon Traders. Salt Lake City, UT. The story of the Vanguard Company, the first group with Brigham Young to travel west to locate and settle the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

8. Tell My Story Too. Jolene Allphin, Tell My Story Publishing, 1776 Ridge Rd. Layton, UT 84040. Contains a collection of stories of the members of the Willie and Martin Companies, the Hunt and Hodgett Wagon Companies, and the Rescuers.

9. Fire of the Covenant. Gerald Lund, 1999, Bookcraft Publishing Co. (Now owned by Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, UT. A novel of historical fiction about the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies.

Numerous articles about handcart pioneers, and early pioneer migration may be found by searching Church Magazines, by using the church internet sites, or by consulting with local ward or branch librarians.

Videos/DVDs

Legacy. Video shown at Joseph Smith Memorial Building for several years. Church Distribution Center.

Faith in Every Footstep. Church Distribution Center. Also a 16 min. portion of the Teachings from the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History (53933) video that was available for the Sunday School course in 2005.

17 Miracles.

~To All the Youth of the North Ogden East Stake~

To the youth of the North Ogden East Stake who are 14 to 18.  We would like to invite you to our first Stake Youth Conference, a Pioneer Trek, on July 12-14^th.  As you come dressed as a pioneer and pull handcarts over part of the original trail in Wyoming, you will have your hearts touched by the pioneers’ sacrifices and testimonies of the Savior.  As you prepare for and partake of this experience, this can leave a lasting legacy for the future.  President Gordon B. Hinckley, in speaking of the Martin and Willie Handcart site, said this:  “I make a plea, go in a spirit of reverence and respect, and know that you are walking on hallowed ground.”  This applies to our own stake Trek as well, as we will be walking on hallowed ground.  You will see some actual gravesites along the way of those who didn’t quite make it to Zion. 

The theme of our Trek is “Press Forward With Faith” (2 Nephi 31:20).  The objectives of our Trek are:

1.        Feel and identify the spirit to strengthen personal testimonies.

2.       Give service to others.

3.       Develop new friendships.

4.       Feel a sense of accomplishment in doing hard things.

5.       Develop an appreciation for our ancestors.

As part of our Trek experience, you will be asked to find a name of an ancestor who was a pioneer.  If you cannot find one of your own ancestors, our Historical Committee will assist you in finding a name of a handcart pioneer for you to learn about and take with you on this Trek.  Also as part of this experience, the youth will be researching a family name that they can take to the temple prior to our youth conference.  Members of your wards will be assisting you in finding these names.  You will in essence be “rescuing” a member of your family.

What will we be doing on the Trek?  We will be spending 3 days on part of the original Pioneer trail and Pony Express route pulling handcarts and walking in the shoes of the pioneers.  You will hear and share stories of their great faith and devotion in “Coming to Zion”, and experience what it would have been like to be a Pioneer.  We will have some fun along the way as well, so come prepared for a great Trek experience.

Check our Trek blog to get patterns and ideas for pioneer clothing.  (Please note, the pioneer clothing enhances the trek experience for all participants as it takes you out of the everyday world and levels the playing field.  We ask that all maintain the standard of modesty.)

How can we prepare for Trek?  Start a physical conditioning program:

*     Walk.  Start a conditioning program by walking now and increasing the amount of time  and/or distance.            

                *    Break in a good pair of shoes (two pair would be preferred).

                *    Read Section 89 of the D&C about the Word of Wisdom and start a better health regime. 

Prepare Spiritually:

·          Read the scriptures daily and think of the pioneers as you read.

·         Study the lives of the pioneers (see resources)

·         Research your ancestors and find a name of a handcart pioneer.  The deadline for having a name is April 15^th.

·         Find a name of an ancestor to take to the temple.  All involved in the Trek will be going to the temple prior to Trek.

Earn your “Trail of Faith” award by participating in this program (see blog).

Register by April 1^st.  The registration form is on the blog.

“Come one and all, come to Zion” and be prepared for a memorable and spiritual experience.

~Pioneer Trail Hand Cart Treks~

The Mormon Trail from Fort Bridger to Salt Lake City

Excerpts from journals, etc.      --Compiled by Lamar C. Berrett

Fort Bridger

     "Fort Bridger', as it is called, is a small trading post established and now occupied by messrs. Bridger & Vasquez.  The buildings are two or three miserable log cabins, rudely constructed, and bearing but a faint resemblance to habitable houses."

               --Journal of Edwin Bryant, July 17, 1846

     "Bridger's Fort is composed of two double log houses about forty feet long each and joined by a pen for horses about ten feet high constructed by placing poles upright in the ground close together, which is all the appearance of a fort in sight.  There are several Indian lodges close by and a full crop of young children playing around the door."

              --Journal of William Clayton, July 7, 1847

     "Beyond Fort Britcher (Bridger) there are two roads, the old one past the so-called Soda Springs and Fort Hall, and a new one called Captain Hastings' Cutoff which is said to be much shorter and passes by the Great Salt Lake.  Many companies ahead of us already had chosen Hastings' Cutoff as their route, and we, too thought is preferable."

              --Journal of Heinrich Lienhard, July 25, 1846

Brigham Young's Camp near Fort Bridger

       "We went half a mile beyond the fort and formed our encampment after crossing three more creeks, having traveled this afternoon eight and three-quarter miles..."

             --Journal of William Clayton, July 7, 1847

Bridger Butte

     "After Johnston's army went into winter quarters at Fort Bridger (Camp Scott) in Nov. 1857, the forces at Echo Canyon returned home.

     A guard of 50 men were kept at Camp Weber at the mouth of Echo Canyon, under the direction of Captain John R. Winder with 'instruction to keep a relay of ten mounted men on Yellow Creek, above the head of Echo Canyon relieved weekly.'  The relay was occasionally to trail out towards Fort Bridger, 'and look at our enemies from the high butte near that place.' (4 miles SW of Bridger, called Bridger Butte)"

              --Comprehensive History of the Church, 4:302

       "This was the point from which the 'Expedition' encampment was watched.  It was this situation which the London Punch afterward so graphically pictured in a cartoon where the 'flower of the American Army' half buried in the snow is seen herded by ten 'Mormons'."

               --Atlantic Monthly, April 1859

Cottonwood Spring, Long Steep Hill, and Bigelow Bench

      "After traveling six and a quarter miles, we arrived at the springs and halted a while to rest our teams.  We then proceeded on three-quarters of a mile and began to ascend a long steep hill near the top of which and eight miles from Fort Bridger, Elder Pratt took an observation and found the latitude 41 degrees 16'11".  Arriving on the top we found the table tolerably level for several miles then began to descend to the bottom again."

                --Journal of William Clayton, July 9, 1847

     "Ascended a steep hill covered with plenty of Cedar trees and Artemisia on it.  Going in a westerly direction toward a square butte.  Went to the foot of it, leaving it on our left (Sugarloof Butte).  We came to a spring and small stream of water (after traveling 6 1/4 miles) where we halted and watered our cattle, where there was a tolerable good camping ground."

              --Journal of Thomas Bullock, July 9, 1847

     "in 6 1/4 miles came to a small brook, formed by a spring and melting snow, which lay in places upon its banks."
              --Journal of Orson Pratt, July 9, 1847

     "...came to a small spring creek where we halted a short time to water- a little further on we crossed the same creek which winds through a narrow valley with lofty hills on either side.  Here we saw and gathered considerable snow."
               --Journal of H.K.Whitney, July 9, 1847

     "We then ascended a hill and descended to a small creek in a gully.  we then ascended a very steep and long hill, gathered some Poplars, went on a bank of snow about 120 feet long and several deep, made two snowballs- a refreshing bite at this time of year."
              --Journal of Thomas Bullock, July 9, 1847

Gravel Hill
     "...we descended the longest and steepest descent I have seen since we left Winter Quarters."
              --Journal of H.K. Whitney, July 9, 1847

      "The descent from this hill is the steepest and most difficult we have ever met with, being long and almost perpendicular."
             --Journal of William Clayton, July 9, 1847

     "...came on 13 miles further over a high ridge and down the worst hill we have had yet...road nigh blocked up with cobble stones."
             --Journal of George Shepard, June 19, 1850

     "Coolish and very windy.  Soon descend "The Muddy Hill", crooked and rough with cobble stones.  In about 3/4 miles strike Spring Creek (Musselman Creek) at the foot of Muddy Hill."
              --Journal of Albert Carrington, August 14, 1851

     "After passing the Mormons we came upon a descent which appeared little removed from an angle of 35 degrees, and suggested the propriety of walking down.  There was an attempt as a zigzag, and for the benefit of wagons, a rough wall of stones had been run along the sharper corners."
            --Richard F. Burton, (The City of Saints, 199) August 24, 1860

The Muddy

      "At three O'clock p.m.we crossed Muddy Creek, a beautiful clear stream of water with a pebbly bottom, and camped on the west side after traveling 13 miles during the day...we had a pretty campground... I made another copy of the Word and Will of the Lord for President Brigham Young; he was very much pleased and told me to make a copy for myself... The brethren sand hymns for the President; it was a delightful evening."
             --Journal of Thomas Bullock, July 9, 1847

     "...descended a long steep hill, and found our way down a hollow to a creek called Muddy Fork, which here runs north and winding around the hills to the north of Fort Bridger, forms a junction with Ham's fork and so flows to Green River.  Upon this stream we camped..."
             --Journal of Erastus Snow, July 9, 1847

     "the supplies of provisions and animals having all arrived, the line of march was taken up with the Dragoons in front [we traveled] 12 miles and camped on the Muddy."
              --Journal of Charles A. Scott, July 13, 1857

      "Little Muddy [Pony Express Station] was dept by a Canadian, a chatty lively good-humored fellow blessed with a sour English wife.  Possibly the heat- the thermometer showed 95 degrees F. in the shade- had turned her temper; fortunately it had similarly affected the milk and cream, which we both usually good."
            --Journal Richard F. Burton (The City of Saints, 199) August 24, 1860

Giant Sage Brush
      "Yesterday we went through a growth of giant sagebrush which often reached the height of more than 4 feet and grew so close together that one could scarcely go between them."
             --Journal of Heinrich Lienhard, July 27, 1846

Copperas Springs
     "After traveling three and a half miles we passed a small copperas spring at the foot of a mountain a little to the left of the road.  The water is very clear, but tastes very strong of copperas and alum and has a somewhat singular effect on the mouth.  It runs a little distance over the red sand which abounds in the region and where it is saturated with water almost looks like blood at a distance."
             --Journal of William Clayton, July 10, 1847

     "In about 3 1/2 miles reach a good cold spring just east of the Copperas or Red Spring or 6 1/2 from Table Creek.  Good place to camp."
             -- Journal of Albert Carrington, September 4, 1850

Rough Rocky Place
     "On arriving at the west side of the ridge two and a half miles from the last mentioned spring we found a very steep rough place to descend and found it neccessary to halt and fix the road.  About half way down there is a place over huge rocks, leaving barely enough room for a wagon to get down, but by labor it was soon made passable.  A little farther, the brethren had to dig a place considerably to make a pass between the mountains.  President Young and Kimball labored hard with a number of others and in about a half an hour made a good road."
             --Journal of William Clayton, July 10, 1847

     "the descent on the western side of which is abrupt and precipitous, and is covered with gnarled and stunted cedars, twisted by the winds into many fantastic shapes.  Descending with some difficulty this steep mountainside, we found ourselves in a narrow hollow."
              --Journal of Edwin Bryant, July 21, 1846

     "We again had to cut away part of a hill to descend.  President Young and Elder Kimball assisting the brethren.  They made a road wide enough for the wagons to pass, locked wheels, and descended into a beautiful valley with good grass; cedar trees were growing on the hills."
              --Journal of Thomas Bullock, July 10, 1847

     "On arriving at the west side of this ridge 2 1/4 miles form the last mentioned spring, we found a very steep rough place to descend.  We halted some time to fix the road.  About half way down is a place where the road runs over huge rocks, leaving barely room for a wagon to get down, but by the labors of the brethren, it was soon made passable.  A little further we had to dig down a pretty high bank which occupied sometime.  President Young and myself assisted in the digging.
               --Journal of Heber C. Kimball, July 10, 1847

~Frequently Asked Questions~

What are the dates of the Trek?
Thursday, July 12th through Saturday, July 14th

Where is the location of the Trek?
Trek will be held on parts of the actual historic pioneer trail near Fort Bridger, Wyoming.  Passing by locations such as Brigham's arrow, Gravel Hill, Muddy Creek crossing/camp, and Philo Dibble Rock.

Who can go on the Trek?
Youth ages 14-18.

Will there be requirements to go on the Trek?
Everyone who goes on the trek will be required to turn in proper registration forms.  We highly recommend that you prepare yourselves physically and spiritually.  The Trail of Faith Award will not only help you prepare for the trek, but it will help you towards your Personal Progress and Duty to God Awards.  It will also help establish a spiritual strength that helps you with the rest of your life.

How much walking will we do?
We will walk and pull handcarts from 5 to 8 miles each day.  It will be important to be in shape and to have sturdy shoes/boots.  Start now to exercise and to break in your shoes.  You will be glad you did!

What should I be doing now to prepare for the Trek?
The best thing you can do is to work on the Trail of Faith requirements.

Is the Trail of Faith Award required?
No, but it would be a great experience and the keepsake that can be earned is a great reminder of the great time you had on trek.

When do I need to have my Pioneer clothing?
Plan on having all of your clothing one month prior to trek.  The DI is a good resource.  We have included patterns and ideas on our trek website (previous post).  There will be some women called in the Stake to help you with this if needed.  We recommend that you start collecting or sewing your clothing as early as possible.

Can I wear contacts?
The use of contacts is discouraged.  Wyoming can be windy and the handcarts make a lot of dust.  Plan now to have a pair of glasses you can use.  If you must wear contacts, have a sturdy pair of sunglasses on hand to protect your eyes.

When do I need to turn in my medical/permission form?
Please return your form by April 1st to your YM/YW secretary.

When do I need to have all my personal equipment together?
Your bucket should be packed and ready to go the night before trek (Wednesday, Jully 11th).  Your buckets and sleeping bags will be loaded onto trailers the night before.  The morning we depart, you will need to be dressed for the trek.  Bring your essentials in a small sling pack.

Will everyone ride the buses?
There is room on the buses for all youth and Ma's and Pa's, as well as most of the committee members.  Some committee members will travel in separate Trail Support Vehicles.

Can I bring my electronic devices?
Please DO NOT bring cell phones, gaming devices, or music players.

~Finding Your Ancestors~

1. Ask your ward clerk for your membership # and your confirmation date (this information gets you onto the Church's website from your home or public computer.  Do this if your family has not yet logged onto the family history site.)
2. Go to http://www.familysearch.org/ Click on REGISTER on the upper right portion of the screen
3. Fill in the information asked for, including your membership # and confirmation date.  Make note of your user name and password for future use.
4. Click REGISTER at the bottom of the page
5. Sign on using your username and password.  Check the box that indicates that you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Your name will now appear in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
6. Click on the SEARCH tab on the upper middle section of the screen.  The green toolbar on the left side should have ALL RESOURCES highlighted in white.
7. Enter the name, place (state or county) and appropriate year of an ancestor.  Don't choose exact spelling and don't enter any more specific information.
8. Click SEARCH. If there is information available, click the hyperlink that refers to your ancestor and view and/or print.

Web Sites

Lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch:  Help in finding individuals who crossed the plains as pioneers.  Includes most complete rosters from most companies for pioneers.  First place to start your search.

handcart-trek.org  This site has lots of information on clothing, preparation activites and pioneer stories

Mormon Pioneer Search (Google)  help in finding pioneer ancestors.  If you Google this term, you will be directed to various sites and find help in locating ancestors who traveled across the plains as pioneers

Pioneertrekdesigns.com  Pioneer clothing ideas for sale, as well as patterns

Mormonbattalion.com  Rosters of all Mormon Battalion companies.  Also includes pictures of most Battalion members and stories of many of them.

Overlandtrails.lib.byu.edu  histories and stories from past pioneers

handcarttrek.net  Provides information on pioneer companies,  the Willie and Martin companies.  Has additional pioneer journals and stories.  Has links to other websites that provide assistance in finding pioneers.

~Trail of Faith Award~

Trail of Faith

Award

"Press Forward with Faith"

2 Nephi 31:20

Fullfill the required experience from each category and 8 additional from any category.

Physical

• Required...Walk, bike, or run 3 days a week for 20 to 30 minutes for 2 months.
• Hike to the top of Ben Lomond or Lewis Peak.
• Read Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants.
• 1 month prior to Trek drink 64 oz. of water daily.

Service

• Required... Read President Hinkley's Conference talk "Our Mission of Saving" Oct 1991.
• Participate in a class or quorum service activity.
• Serve your family for 4 hours.  1 week serve a family member daily. 

Spiritual

• Required... Do Baptisms for the Dead at least twice before the Trek.
• Discover a Pioneer quality and strive to develop it from now until trek.
• Read your Patriarchal Blessing and discover blessings and promises and record these in your journal.
• Read "The Holy Temple" by Boyd K. Packer

Pioneer Heritage

• Required... Research your Family History and find a Pioneer Ancestor.  Learn their history.
• Hike to Ensign Peak and read the Historical Markers.
• Watch a pioneer movie.  Ex) Legacy, Seventeen Miracles
• Visit the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City.

Sacrifice

• Required... Give up something you enjoy for at least 1 week.
• Evaluate your music- kick out questionable songs
• No Screen Day- no T.V., cell phones, video games for 24 hours.  Uplifting music is accepted.
• Record in your journal what Christ's Atonement means to you.

~Trek Map~

~Equipment List~

The following are the REQUIRED items that each individual must bring on the trek.  Each individual's gear also must be able to fit into a 5 gallon bucket with a lid (NOT including bedding, visqueen, 2nd pair of shoes and musical insturments for performers).  The bucket serves a number of functions.  It allows each trek family to organize and pack their handcarts, keeps your gear waterproof, and provides a seat for you to sit on.  We discourage the cloth padded seats.  If it rains (or snows) a padded seat will become wet and you will not want to sit on it.

• One 5 gallon bucket with lid, labeled with your NAME & WARD to contain ALL clothing and gear.
• Plastic Groundcloth: either Visqueen or Plastic Sheeting (at least 4 ML thickness, at least 4' by 8'- to go under sleeping bag).  Include this in the heavy duty trash bag with your sleeping bag.
• Heavy duty plastic trash bag or waterproof duffel (it may rain).  The waterproof duffel is available at most Army-Navy stores.  This will hold your sleeping bag.
• Sleeping Bag
• 1 Heavy Duty Plastic bag for wet and/or dry clothing.
• Small flashlight with replacement batteries
• Tin cup labeled with your name (or blue enamelware cup or stainless steel collapsible backpacking cup). (NOTE: we will not supply water bottles or disposable cups.  If you want a drink, you must pour water from your family's cooler into your own tin cup.  It's a good idea to bring a couple of carabiners to attach the cup to your clothing.
• Eating Utensils: 1 metal pie plate, 1 fork and 1 spoon
• Personal Hygiene Items: Small hand sanitizer, toothbrush, small toothpaste, washcloth and comb/brush, moist hand wipes or baby wipes in a  ziploc bag, deodorant/antiperspirant.
• Prescriptions/medications if needed, labeled in original pack (will be checked in with Ma & Pa).
• Chapstick and small size sunblock
• Small insect repellent WITH DEET for mosquitoes
• Band- Aids & Mole Skin for foot care
• Old set of scriptures in a Ziploc bag
• Your Trek Journal with pen or pencil in a Ziploc bag
• Eyeglasses & case, sunglasses (contact lenses are discouraged without sunglasses)
• Women- feminine hygiene supplies
• One pair of work gloves
• Optional: any additional orthotics, arch or heal support or shoe inserts for comfort.
• Optional: inexpensive camera in a sturdy, waterproof case
• Pillowcase (use it to make a pillow out of your jacket).

NO CELL PHONES, IPODS, MP3 PLAYERS, VIDEO GAMES or SIMILAR DEVICES. In addition, do not bring jewelry, watches, wallets, cash, cosmetics, personal food or candy.

The North Ogden East Stake Pioneer Trek

We are so excited for the upcoming trek this year!  The dates for the trek are Thursday, July 12- Saturday, July 14.  Please join us for the Youth Trek Kick-off Fireside on Sunday, February 12th at 7:00pm at the Stake Center.  Please come in Sunday dress.  We hope to see you all there!