The pioneer trek westward. which ended in Utah and later initiated settlements in my own State of Idaho and in other neighboring States. began early in February 1846 when the Mormons were driven out of Nauvoo. Ill. The first groups to leave reenacted a scene analogous to the early Israelites when they left Egypt to be led by a prophet to a promised land. During the first week of exodus over 1.300 Mormon refugees from Illinois crossed the frozen Missouri River to escape persecution. Throughout the following year 15.000 Mormons left their homes to begin the long journey westward. They sought a land which at the time no one else wanted. where they could worship. as our Constitution provides. in freedom.
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refugees