Tidbits of pioneer history: A first impressions of Salt Lake, first wildlife encounter and others who lived there

(by Lynn Arave deseretnews.com 7-21-18)

Not every pioneer expressed excitement over their first view of the Great Salt Lake Valley in July of 1847.

For example, one pioneer, Mrs. Harriet Young, said, “Weak and weary as I am I would rather go a thousand miles farther than remain in such a forsaken place as this” (see "Utah in Her Western Setting," by Milton R. Hunter, 1956 edition).

Still, once LDS Church President Brigham Young said the Salt Lake Valley was the right place, all the pioneers accepted that and settled there.

(There were 147 members of the July 1847 vanguard pioneer group, including three women and two children. None of the first group died — all made it safely to the Salt Lake Valley, after traveling some 1,031 miles.)

One pioneer shared an excited response with his first view of the Great Salt Lake Valley. Also, he experienced one of the first confrontations with native wildlife by the pioneers, as he encountered a coiled rattlesnake while trying to get a glimpse of the Great Salt Lake.

(more to come)

https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900025550/tidbits-of-pioneer-history-a-first-impressions-of-salt-lake-first-wildlife-encounter-and-others-who-lived-there.html