The Establishment of Deseret

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

The Forgotten Territory: Uncovering the History of Deseret

The United States has a rich and diverse history, with numerous territories and states that have played a significant role in shaping the country's identity. One such territory is Deseret, a region that was once considered for statehood but ultimately failed to achieve this status. In this article, we will delve into the history of Deseret, exploring its establishment, growth, and eventual decline as a potential state.

What is Deseret?

Deseret was a provisional state that existed from 1849 to 1850, covering a vast territory of over 250,000 square miles in the western United States. The name "Deseret" is derived from the Book of Mormon, where it refers to a promised land. The territory was established by a group of Mormon settlers, led by Brigham Young, who were seeking to create a safe haven for their community.

The Establishment of Deseret

In 1847, Brigham Young led a group of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley, where they established a settlement that would become the foundation of the city of Salt Lake City. Over the next few years, the Mormon community grew rapidly, and in 1849, Young declared the establishment of the State of Deseret. The new state was designed to be a theocratic government, with the Mormon Church playing a central role in its administration.

The Growth of Deseret

During its brief existence, Deseret experienced rapid growth and development. The territory was rich in natural resources, including fertile land, mineral deposits, and access to the Great Salt Lake. The Mormon community established a thriving economy, with agriculture, mining, and trade becoming major industries. The territory also saw the establishment of several cities, including Salt Lake City, which became the capital of Deseret.

The Decline of Deseret

Despite its growth and development, Deseret's existence as a state was short-lived. In 1850, the United States Congress passed the Compromise of 1850, which established the Utah Territory and abolished the State of Deseret. The compromise was a result of the growing tensions between the Mormon community and the federal government, which had been exacerbated by the practice of polygamy among the Mormons.

The Compromise of 1850

The Compromise of 1850 was a complex agreement that aimed to resolve several issues related to the expansion of slavery in the United States. The compromise established the Utah Territory, which was to be governed by a non-Mormon governor and a territorial legislature. The compromise also abolished the State of Deseret and prohibited the practice of polygamy in the Utah Territory.

The Legacy of Deseret

Despite its failure to achieve statehood, Deseret played an important role in the history of the United States. The territory's establishment and growth highlighted the tensions between the Mormon community and the federal government, which would continue to be a source of conflict in the years to come. The legacy of Deseret can also be seen in the modern-day state of Utah, which was established in 1896 and has a rich history and culture that reflects the values and traditions of the Mormon community.

In conclusion, the history of Deseret is a fascinating and complex story that highlights the tensions between the Mormon community and the federal government. Despite its failure to achieve statehood, Deseret played an important role in the history of the United States, and its legacy can still be seen in the modern-day state of Utah. By understanding the history of Deseret, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and challenges of the American West and the ongoing struggle for self-governance and identity.

1847: Brigham Young leads a group of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley.
1849: Brigham Young declares the establishment of the State of Deseret.
1850: The United States Congress passes the Compromise of 1850, establishing the Utah Territory and abolishing the State of Deseret.
1896: The modern-day state of Utah is established.

Brigham Young: The leader of the Mormon community and the founder of the State of Deseret.
The Mormon Church: The central authority of the Mormon community and the driving force behind the establishment of Deseret.
The United States Congress: The governing body of the United States, which played a key role in the establishment and abolition of Deseret.

"The History of Deseret" by Brigham Young
"The Compromise of 1850" by the United States Congress
"The Mormon Church and the State of Deseret" by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Q: What was the State of Deseret? A: The State of Deseret was a provisional state that existed from 1849 to 1850, covering a vast territory in the western United States.
Q: Why was Deseret established? A: Deseret was established by a group of Mormon settlers, led by Brigham Young, who were seeking to create a safe haven for their community.
Q: Why was Deseret abolished? A: Deseret was abolished by the United States Congress in 1850, due to the growing tensions between the Mormon community and the federal government.
Frequently Asked Questions: The State of Deseret =====================================================

Q: What was the State of Deseret?

A: The State of Deseret was a provisional state that existed from 1849 to 1850, covering a vast territory in the western United States. It was established by a group of Mormon settlers, led by Brigham Young, who were seeking to create a safe haven for their community.

Q: Why was Deseret established?

A: Deseret was established by Brigham Young and the Mormon community in 1849, after they had settled in the Salt Lake Valley. The community was seeking to create a self-governing territory, free from the influence of the federal government.

Q: What was the purpose of the State of Deseret?

A: The purpose of the State of Deseret was to provide a safe and secure environment for the Mormon community to practice their faith and live their lives according to their values. The community was seeking to create a theocratic government, with the Mormon Church playing a central role in its administration.

Q: Why was Deseret abolished?

A: Deseret was abolished by the United States Congress in 1850, due to the growing tensions between the Mormon community and the federal government. The practice of polygamy among the Mormons was a major point of contention, and the federal government was determined to put an end to it.

Q: What was the Compromise of 1850?

A: The Compromise of 1850 was a complex agreement that aimed to resolve several issues related to the expansion of slavery in the United States. The compromise established the Utah Territory, which was to be governed by a non-Mormon governor and a territorial legislature. The compromise also abolished the State of Deseret and prohibited the practice of polygamy in the Utah Territory.

Q: What was the impact of the Compromise of 1850 on the Mormon community?

A: The Compromise of 1850 had a significant impact on the Mormon community. The abolition of the State of Deseret and the prohibition of polygamy forced the community to adapt to a new reality. Many Mormons were forced to abandon their homes and flee to other parts of the country, while others were forced to live in hiding.

Q: What is the legacy of the State of Deseret?

A: The legacy of the State of Deseret is complex and multifaceted. While the community's attempt to establish a theocratic government was ultimately unsuccessful, it marked an important milestone in the history of the American West. The legacy of Deseret can also be seen in the modern-day state of Utah, which was established in 1896 and has a rich history and culture that reflects the values and traditions of the Mormon community.

Q: What can we learn from the history of the State of Deseret?

A: The history of the State of Deseret offers several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the diversity of cultures and communities in the United States. Secondly, it demonstrates the challenges and complexities of establishing a new government and society. Finally, it shows the resilience and determination of the Mormon community in the face of adversity.

Q: How can we honor the legacy of the State of Deseret?

A: There are several ways to honor the legacy of the State of Deseret. Firstly, we can learn about and appreciate the history and culture of the Mormon community. Secondly, we can recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our society. Finally, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where all individuals and communities can thrive.

Q: What resources are available for learning more about the State of Deseret?

A: There are several resources available for learning more about the State of Deseret. These include books, articles, and online resources, as well as museums and historical sites. Some recommended resources include:

"The History of Deseret" by Brigham Young
"The Compromise of 1850" by the United States Congress
"The Mormon Church and the State of Deseret" by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Utah State Historical Society
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Museum

Q: How can I get involved in preserving the legacy of the State of Deseret?

A: There are several ways to get involved in preserving the legacy of the State of Deseret. These include:

Volunteering at a local museum or historical site
Participating in community events and activities
Supporting organizations that promote the history and culture of the Mormon community
Learning about and sharing the history of the State of Deseret with others
Working towards creating a more just and equitable society, where all individuals and communities can thrive.