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Mormon Pioneer National Historic TrailCourthouse & Jail Rocks near Scottsbluff, NE, were seen at a distance by the Mormon Pioneers as they passed to the North of the Platte River
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Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Operating Hours & Seasons

The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is recognized as a nationally significant resource relevant to the westward expansion of the United States. Although administered by the National Park Service, it is not like a typical national park with borders. Rather, it is an historic "road" or route used by hundreds of thousands of emigrants between the mid 1840s and early 1870s as they made their way west to begin a new life or to seek their fortune.

Operating hours and seasons for trail resources and sites of interest along this 1,300 mile route vary with each site and facility. Many private and agency museums and interpretive centers exist from Illinois to Utah. Please visit the Links & Resources page for a listing of trail managers and contact information, as well as a bibliography of suggested reading materials.

Auto Tour Route Maps, which follow modern highways that approximate the historic route are available within this web site, and a list of Suggested Trail Sites to visit will enhance your trail experience.




Trail Partners & Information Resources:

State Travel & Tourism Information:





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Jail in Carthage, Illinois where Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered during a riot.  

Did You Know?
Joseph Smith and several other high church leaders were jailed here and placed under the guard of local units of the Illinois State Militia. A few days later, on June 27, 1844, a mob of some 200 men stormed the Carthage jail and murdered Joseph and his brother, Hyrum Smith.
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Last Updated: August 02, 2006 at 14:52 EST