Utah Pioneer Day Special, 3 Mormon Pioneer Myths

photo courtesy Michael Christensen

Contributed by Jeff Olsen (@jeffolsen76)

July 24, 1847, the date in which the Mormon pioneers unprecedentedly decided to not keep going to California.  Any native Utahan has heard the stories of the hard trek west, starvation on the trail, burying loved ones along the way, and the relief of the settlers to finally stop in this barren landscape known as the Salt Lake Valley (in mid July no less).  

Here in Utah (especially in Salt Lake County), these traditional stories about the Mormon Pioneers have become so prevalent, we think of them as fact.  From eating Sego Lilly bulbs to stave off starvation, to the "Mormon Cricket Miracle," to even the phrase "this is the place" these stories have given Utahans a sense of history, culture, heritage, and dare we say, divine providence?  Let's examine a few myths that you may think are true:

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