Deseret (Utah) for Mormons

Definition

Deseret was an organized incorporated territory of United States proposed by Latter Day Saint (Mormon) leaders covering most of modern-day Utah and Nevada with portions extending into Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and even reaching to Southern California's coast.

Analogy

Imagine if your school club decided it needed its own dedicated space because it didn't fit well with other clubs' activities. That's kind of what happened when Brigham Young led his followers out West—they wanted their own place where they could practice their religion freely without interference from others.

Related terms

Brigham Young: He was an American religious leader who served as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He led his followers to Utah after Joseph Smith's death.

Joseph Smith Jr.: He was an American religious leader and founder of Mormonism. He published the Book of Mormon.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: This is the largest denomination in the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith during the early 19th century.