This Is the Place

Adapted from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 146–48.

Illustrated by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Matozzi

In 1847 Latter-day Saint pioneers were traveling across what is now the United States to find their promised land in the West.

The Saints did not know exactly where they were supposed to go. Brigham Young was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time. He was the only one who knew where the Lord wanted them to establish Zion. But he was very ill.

Brigham Young: Elder Woodruff, I need to continue traveling westward.

Elder Woodruff: But you’re too sick!

Brigham Young: Nonsense. Just lay me in the back of your carriage.

On July 24, 1847, Elder Woodruff drove the team of horses pulling his carriage toward the Great Salt Lake. Lying in the back of the carriage was President Young.

Elder Woodruff: Heavenly Father, please bless President Young that he will know where to lead the Saints.

As soon as President Young saw the desert valley of the Great Salt Lake, he told Elder Woodruff to stop.

Brigham Young: This is the right place; for the Lord has shown it to me in a vision.

Twenty-two years later, Elder Woodruff remembered that event as he was writing in his journal.

Elder Woodruff: Today I attended a Pioneer Day celebration. We now number more than 100,000 souls. See what God hath wrought!