The Perseverance and Community of the Mormons in the American West
The journey of the Mormons in the American West is one of incredible perseverance and communal strength, despite the harsh realities they faced. This article delves into the challenges they overcame and the strategies that allowed them to thrive and establish themselves in this vast and unforgiving land.
The Uniformity of LDS Settlements
The successful living and settling in the West by the Mormons, particularly members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), can be attributed to a combination of centralized leadership, a strong sense of community, and the sheer effort and determination of the settlers. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, new communities were sent out in careful planning, with many settlements being established simultaneously, fostering a cohesive and unified fostering.
Water and Community Cooperation
Water, being a critical element for sustaining life, played a significant role in both the success and challenges faced by the LDS settlers. In the context of the West, water was not always easily accessible. Settlers often had to dig wells, construct aqueducts, or reroute entire river systems to secure water sources. The presence of water determined the viability of early settlements; in areas without water, settlers either did not settle or worked together to create artificial water sources.
Communities settled by non-LDS often faced more severe conflicts over water resources, sometimes leading to violence and bloodshed. In contrast, while water disputes in LDS communities were still contentious, they were managed more effectively and cooperatively. This unity and cooperation made it easier for the Mormon settlements to flourish and grow, even in the face of adversity.
Primary Strategies for Success
One key strategy that contributed to the success of LDS settlements was the reliance on a centralized leadership structure. This central leadership, under the direction of Brigham Young, ensured that new settlements were established according to a carefully planned strategy. This allowed for coordinated efforts and resources to be deployed efficiently, reducing duplication and increasing the success rate of new settlements.
Another important aspect was the tight-knit community and strong sense of belonging among the settlers. This was fueled by the shared experiences of being driven out of the United States and a shared religious identity. These common experiences and values created a strong bond that helped members of the community to support each other through the challenges of settlement.
Challenges and Disputes
However, it is important to acknowledge that the Mormon settlers faced numerous challenges, including internal disputes. For example, my grandmother recalled a family saga where her own family resented the fact that Young’s wives and daughters wore expensive clothes shipped from the East. While other settlers were still reliant on wild plants like the sego lily to survive, this disparity created tension within the community. Nevertheless, these disputes did not ultimately hinder the overall success of Mormon settlements, which continued to grow and thrive.
Conclusion
The success of the Mormons in the American West is a testament to their resilience, perseverance, and community spirit. Through careful planning, cooperation, and a strong sense of shared identity, they were able to overcome the many challenges that lay in their path and to establish thriving settlements in the harsh landscape of the American West.