Thesis (M.A.)-- Brigham Young University. Dept. of English. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of English. / Electronic thesis. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print ed.

Thesis (M.S.)-- Brigham Young University. Dept. of Church History, 1961.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Bibliography: leaves 258-271.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University, Dept. of Religious Education, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-156).

The American West prior to 1800 was relatively an obscure and unexplored region. However, by 1846, it had been traversed by no less than three government expeditions, and numerous mountain men and adventurers. There was an abundance of guides, maps, and books in print by 1846 for the homeseeker traveling west of the Mississippi River.The Mormon knowledge and interest in the West began as early as 1832. Throughout the 1830's and early 1840's, as the saints moved West in the face of persecution, the Rocky Mountains were often spoken of as the future Zion of the Church. In 1842, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, spoke of future Mormon settlements in the Rocky Mountains, and plans were formulated to begin a movement to that region. However, the death of the Mormon prophet in June, 1844, temporarily delayed that movement. Brigham Young continued to point the Church toward the West as planned by Joseph Smith. Under his direction, the Church made an extensive study of maps and books available on the West. As the first wagons crossed the Mississippi in February, 1846, the following plans had been determined: (1) The Great Basin was to be the main headquarters of the Church. (2) And there were to be Mormon colonies at several key locations in the West, especially along the Pacific Coast.

This thesis is a record of a journey into the pioneer past both literally and metaphorically. The physical journey retracing the Oregon and Mormon trails was made in September of 1993, the year I was a National Endowment for the Humanities/Reader's Digest Teacher-Scholar; however, my intellectual and emotional journey into the lives of pioneer women covers several years of study. I compare my life experiences with those of pioneer women whom I studied, using geographical settings on the trail trip as memory triggers. My husband, as my traveling companion, plays an important role in this journey of discovery. Major themes are the contrast between public images and private attitudes, restoration and reality, independence and dependence, stereotype and individualism. In addition, I explore needs to balance family demands with personal aspirations, to deal with illness and death, to assess the value of material possessions, and to appreciate connections with other women. The trail trip serves as a catalyst for the exploration of a personal journey defining my own womanhood and that of other women as well.

Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Church History and Doctrine.

Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Church History and Doctrine. / Electronic thesis. Also available in print ed.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Religion. / Electronic thesis. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-136). Also available in print ed.