Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-211).

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-93).

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Electronic thesis. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 191-211). Also available in print ed.

From the Pioneer Company of 1847 to the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, approximately 60,000 Mormon pioneers made the journey from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. Although some years have received more attention, every footprint placed on the prairie is part of the epic pioneer story. This thesis examines the major challenges and characteristics of the 1848 Mormon pioneers crossing of the plains. The sacrifices and contributions of the 1848 pioneers are as significant to the legacy of the Mormon westward migration as any other year. In order to explore, develop, and explain the thesis statement, this work includes five chapters. Chapter I: Introduction provides the historical setting of the 1848 Mormon pioneers. Chapter II: The L.D.S migration of 1848 in historical context. Chapter III: The general characteristics of the 1848 Mormon migration. Chapter IV: Relief efforts. Chapter V: Conclusion. The primary evidence for this thesis comes from journals of the 1848 Mormon pioneers. This research has discovered that the 1848 pioneers had the largest company in Mormon pioneer history. It is also the only year that each member of the First Presidency led a pioneer company across the plains. The companies' immense size coupled with insufficient provisions and an unusually dry spring required sacrifice and cooperation. Topics researched include: route and distances traveled, role of women, expressions of devotion, livestock issues, Indian relations, sickness, injury, and death. The 1848 pioneers received significant relief from 1847 migrants, who returned to the trail to assist.

Using first person, reminiscent accounts, this thesis examines children's lives on the Mormon Trail. It attempts to shed further light on the story of the Mormon Trail by sharing the perspectives of pioneers who crossed the plains as children. This study focuses on such issues as the children's impressions of the trail, their experiences on it, their duties, their family life, and the influence of religion. This study highlights the symbiotic relationship between children and the trail: children affected trail life and at the same time were affected by their experiences on the trail. Children shouldered responsibilites that were essential to the success of the family. Because the trail required children to work hard for the good of the family, children achieved a greater sense of their own abilities to succeed.