Last updated: May 16, 2026
Place
Prairie Trails Museum
Photo/Prairie Trails Museum
Quick Facts
Location:
515 E Jefferson St, Corydon, IA 50060
Significance:
The Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon, IA, features an exhibit called “The Hymn that Went Around the World,” touching on lyrics written by camp clerk William Clayton as the Latter-day Saints crossed through Wayne County, IA, in 1846. Clayton’s hymn became a popular marching song for Latter-day Saints heading west during the overland emigration era, and it is sung by congregations worldwide today.
Designation:
Certified Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
10 listed
Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Maps Available, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom - Seasonal
The Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County, in Corydon, IA, displays artifacts of local prehistory and history in 5 galleries and 2 large exhibit barns. A National Park Service passport stamp for the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is available at the museum, as well.
The museum features an exhibit called “The Hymn that Went Around the World,” touching on an important occurrence during the 1846 Mormon emigration through Wayne County, IA. Brigham Young’s Camp of Israel spent 10 days (April 6-15, 1846) camped about 15 miles southeast of Corydon at Locust Creek while waiting out bad weather. Among the company was William Clayton, a poet and Young’s appointed camp clerk who was responsible for documenting the company’s travels.
On April 15, at the second Locust Creek campsite where the company had moved to escape the creek’s floodwaters, Clayton received word of the arrival of a “fine fat” son back in Nauvoo, IL. To honor the birth, he composed lyrics for a hymn now known as “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” sung to the tune of a traditional English song. “I feel to thank my heavenly father for my boy and pray that he will spare and preserve his life and that of his mother and so order it so that we may soon meet again,” reads Clayton’s journal entry for that date.
His inspirational hymn encourages Latter-day Saints to “fear no toil nor labor,” and it promises that “We’ll find the place which God for us prepared, Far away in the West, Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid; There the Saints will be blessed.” Clayton’s composition became a popular marching song for Latter-day Saint emigrants heading west during the overland trails era, and it is sung by congregations worldwide today.
The museum provides driving directions to the Locust Creek site upon request. The museum is typically open 6 days a week, April 15 through Oct. 31; in other months it is open by appointment. Check the Prairie Trail Museum website for current information.
Locus Creek Campsite History at the Museum
As the Mormon pioneers headed west, the route continued to test the determined travelers. Heavy rains made the roads impassable. For about two weeks in early April, a group of about 300 wagons camped nearby at Locust Creek. Everything they owned was damp and supplies were running low. Warming weather increased their risk of rattlesnake bites and fire.
At Locust Creek, poet and camp clerk William Clayton received good news. He learned that his wife had given birth to a healthy baby boy back in Nauvoo, Illinois. In honor of his son’s arrival, Clayton wrote the lyrics to the Latter-day Saints’ beloved anthem “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (originally titled “All is Well”). This song celebrates their faith and brought joy during the difficult journey.
Site Information
Location (515 E Jefferson St, Corydon, IA 50060)
Available Facilities
Check the Prairie Trail Museum's website for the most up-to-date information when planning your visit.
Safety Considerations