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The Mormons are taking to farming...



Item # 691654

June 14, 1847

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 14, 1847

* Early Mormons - Mormonism

Page 3 has a few items on the Mexican War including: "Reinforcements for the Army Under Gen. Scott"; a letter from "Damp Near Monterey" signed in type: Z. Taylor; "From the Western Border".
This last item includes: "The Mormons are represented to have gone into farming on a large scale at the Bluffs. They have erected a substantial grist mill on the west side of the river, and keep it employed in grinding grain...The greater part of them are said to be very destitute, being devoid of almost all of the necessaries of life...".
Four pages, very nice condition.

AI notes: In 1847, the Mormon pioneers, led by Brigham Young, arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after a grueling journey westward, seeking refuge from religious persecution. Upon their arrival, they quickly recognized the necessity of agriculture for their survival in the arid desert. The Mormons' first agricultural efforts were focused on establishing irrigation systems, a crucial adaptation to the dry environment. Brigham Young emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency, and the settlers began planting crops like wheat, corn, and potatoes. To coordinate these efforts, the LDS Church established agricultural councils that helped organize farming and ensure that resources were shared among the community. The early Mormons faced numerous challenges, but through innovative farming practices, including crop rotation and communal labor, they were able to lay the foundation for the long-term success of their settlement in the Utah Territory. The establishment of these agricultural systems was not only vital for their survival but also for creating a thriving, self-reliant community in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

Category: Pre-Civil War