Erastus Snow and Orson Pratt’s Vision of the Salt Lake Valley

On July 21, 1847, while serving as part of the vanguard pioneer company, Erastus Snow and Orson Pratt ventured ahead of the main body of travelers to scout the final route into the Salt Lake Valley. Riding horseback, Snow left Canyon Creek and ascended five miles westward to the summit of the mountain pass. Upon arriving at the mouth of Emigration Canyon near Red Butte, the two men looked out over the vast expanse of the valley below. It was here that they caught their first glimpse of the blue waters of the Great Salt Lake. Overcome by the significance of the moment, the two men simultaneously swung their hats and spontaneously shouted 'Hosannah!' Snow later recorded in his journal that they 'involuntarily both at the same instant uttered a shout of joy at finding it to be the very Place of our destination & the broad Bosom of the Salt Lake spreading itself Before us.' This encounter served as a profound spiritual confirmation to both men that the valley was indeed the place where the Saints would finally find rest after their long exodus.