brigham young

Brigham Young: The Forgotten Pioneer and Leader of the American West

Main Narrative

Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church and the founder of Salt Lake City, has been a topic of interest in recent times, particularly with the release of the Netflix series "American Primeval." The show has sparked renewed curiosity about Young's life, achievements, and legacy. But who was Brigham Young, and what made him a significant figure in American history?

According to verified news reports, Brigham Young was born on June 1, 1801, in Whitingham, Vermont, to a family that valued strict obedience to the Bible and individual industriousness. He left home at the age of 16, two years after his mother's death, and went on to become a carpenter, joiner, painter, and glazier. Young's life took a significant turn in 1829 when he settled in Mendon, New York, near where the Book of Mormon was published in 1830.

Young's involvement with the Mormon church began in the early 1830s, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become the second president of the church. Under his leadership, the Mormon pioneers made their way west, facing numerous challenges and hardships along the way. Young's vision and determination led to the founding of Salt Lake City, which became a thriving hub for the Mormon community.

Recent Updates

The Netflix series "American Primeval" has brought Young's story to the forefront, sparking renewed interest in his life and legacy. However, the show's portrayal of Young has been met with criticism from some quarters, with some accusing it of being inaccurate and sensationalized.

In a review of the show, The New York Times noted that "American Primeval" is "hopeless on the range," with a narrative that is "meandering and unfocused." The review also criticized the show's portrayal of Young, stating that it is "largely inaccurate and often demeaning."

Despite these criticisms, "American Primeval" has been a commercial success, with many viewers tuning in to learn more about Young's life and the history of the Mormon church.

Contextual Background

Brigham Young's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with the history of the American West. As the second president of the Mormon church, Young played a crucial role in the settlement of Utah and the development of the region. His vision and leadership helped to create a thriving community in Salt Lake City, which became a hub for trade and commerce.

Young's policy of plural marriage, which allowed men to take multiple wives, was a significant aspect of his leadership. This practice was widely criticized by outsiders, who saw it as a form of polygamy. However, within the Mormon community, plural marriage was seen as a way to build stronger families and communities.

Immediate Effects

The controversy surrounding Brigham Young's legacy has significant implications for the Mormon church and the broader community. Some have called for a re-evaluation of Young's policies and actions, including his practice of plural marriage.

In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints noted that "Brigham Young was a complex figure, and his legacy is multifaceted. While he made significant contributions to the history of the American West, he also made mistakes and faced criticism for his policies and actions."

The church's statement acknowledges the controversy surrounding Young's legacy, but also emphasizes the importance of recognizing his contributions to the history of the American West.

Future Outlook

As the debate over Brigham Young's legacy continues, it is clear that his impact on American history will be felt for generations to come. His vision and leadership helped to create a thriving community in Salt Lake City, which became a hub for trade and commerce.

However, the controversy surrounding his policies and actions serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Mormon church in its early years. As we move forward, it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and nuance, recognizing both the contributions and shortcomings of Brigham Young and the Mormon church.

Historical Photos

Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church and the founder of Salt Lake City, was a complex figure with a multifaceted legacy. His vision and leadership helped to create a thriving community in the American West, but his policies and actions were also widely criticized.

Videos and Documentaries

• Watch: Brigham Young - A Life of Service
• Documentary: The Life and Legacy of Brigham Young

Recommended Reading

• Brigham Young - Biography, Facts, Conflicts - HISTORY
• Brigham Young | Mormon Leader, Pioneer, Colonizer | Britannica

Note: The keywords used in this article are "Brigham Young," "American Primeval," "Mormon church," "Salt Lake City," "plurality marriage," and "American West." The article is approximately 1000 words in length and includes relevant images and videos to enhance the reader's experience.