175th Nauvoo Exodus Anniversary -- A Video Tribute

February 4th, 2021 marks the 175th Anniversary of the Nauvoo Exodus, when thousands of Latter-day Saints were driven from their homes due to religious persecution. They crossed the Mississippi River in the Iowa Territory in the depths of winter. Thus, every year, we gather on the banks of the river at one of the primary crossing points to mark the anniversary.
Although our historic sites are temporarily closed due to the pandemic and we are unable to gather in person, we mark the anniversary nonetheless with this video tribute.
Nauvoo Historic Sites now offers online tours to bring history to a broader audience. Learn more at nauvoohistoricsites.org. Sign up for a free tour that fits your interest and schedule!
----- The Exodus -----
When the Latter-day Saints were forced to leave the city they built, it took time to fully organize and depart. Over the course of several months, wagons regularly left the city to head West under the leadership of Brigham Young. The first crossing occurred on February 4th. The winter was cold and harsh. However unjust their treatment, the Saints were resolved to find a place where they could settle and not be driven out again. And so they traveled together, helping each other, learning how to navigate the wilderness together, and stopping along the way to plant crops and build shelters for those who would follow behind. The Mormon Trail would eventually see some 70,000 pioneers traverse the country to settle with the Saints in the Great Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.
--- Notes --
Music from Steven Sharp Nelson used by permission.
Music from the Portland Choir and Orchestra used by permission.
Video produced by Nauvoo Historic Communication Council, Nauvoo, Illinois, USA.
This video is not an official production of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.