Exploring Winter Quarters, Nebraska: A History Of Hardship And Faith

After LDS Church and founder Joseph Smith was martyred near Nauvoo, Illinois, the majority of the body of Saints fled the city in 1846. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, the approximately 2,500 Church members knew that their future lay in the west, across the plains; but after their exodus, winter was coming on, and the group was forced to make camp and stay put to wait out the cold and snows and gather their strength and resources for the trek yet to come.

After their arrival in the area, the Saints dwelled in tents while awaiting the opportunity for more permanent living arrangements. Thanks to the federal government, they were allowed to settle on Omaha tribal lands near the Missouri River in what is now the town of Florence in the northern part of Omaha, Nebraska. As winter came on, men toiled hard to construct crude sod huts and cabins for shelter. This little community became known as Winter Quarters.

The Mormons did everything they could to support themselves and their families, including trading household items for food with neighboring Indians, making and selling handicrafts, and obtaining goods from nearby Fort Atkinson.

Despite their gargantuan efforts, the Saints suffered the effects of severe malnutrition: scurvy was rampant due to the absence of vitamin C sources in potatoes and other vegetables. The harsh conditions and bodies weakened from near starvation made people susceptible to tuberculosis and malaria.

In the end, hundreds of Latter-day Saints died at Winter Quarters from the ravages of disease. It is estimated that the number may be as high as 359, though the majority of the graves were left unmarked.

Today, the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery adjacent to the Winter Quarters Temple is a quiet place of contemplation and reflection for Latter-day Saints who come to visit from all over the world. The cemetery overlooks the Missouri River, and is a refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility. It remains the only visible remnant of the original settlement there.

The nearby Kanesville Tabernacle is an authentic replica of the original building erected by 200 Mormon men in just 2 1/2 weeks. It is significant in LDS history because it was there that Brigham Young was sustained as the new prophet of the Church on December 27, 1846. The visitor's center there offers opportunities for people to learn about the Saints' great westward migration.

Latter-day Saint visitors will find much to explore in the Florence area as they attempt to learn more about and appreciate the sacrifices made by early Church members.