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Brigham Young

Brigham Young was an American religious leader and colonizer who became the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brigham Young was an American religious leader and colonizer who became the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He led Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 and helped shape the early settlement and development of Utah.

Early life and conversion

Brigham Young was born in Vermont and raised in a frontier family environment. He joined the Latter-day Saint movement in 1832 after previously living in upstate New York and working in trades.

Leadership of the LDS Church

After the death of Joseph Smith, Young became the second president of the church in 1847. He led the church through the migration to the Salt Lake Valley and oversaw the organization of the Utah-based community.

Utah and western settlement

Young became the first governor of Utah Territory and helped direct the establishment of settlements across the Intermountain West. His leadership influenced the political, social, and economic development of the region.

Legacy

Young is remembered as a central figure in Latter-day Saint history and in the settlement of Utah. His legacy also includes controversy over plural marriage and his role in territorial governance.

Key facts

  • Born in Vermont in 1801 and later moved to upstate New York.
  • Converted to Mormonism in 1832 and became a leading church figure.
  • Succeeded Joseph Smith as leader of the LDS Church in 1847.
  • Led the westward migration of Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley.
  • Served as the first governor of Utah Territory.
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Canadian context

Brigham Young has limited direct connection to Canada, but his leadership shaped a major North American religious movement whose history and institutions are relevant to Canadian Latter-day Saint communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Brigham Young?
He was an American religious leader who became the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a major figure in the settlement of Utah.
When was Brigham Young born and when did he die?
He was born on June 1, 1801, and died on August 29, 1877.
What was Brigham Young’s role in Utah?
He led Latter-day Saint settlers to the Salt Lake Valley and served as the first governor of Utah Territory.
What church did Brigham Young lead?
He led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS Church.
Why is Brigham Young historically significant?
He was influential in the expansion of the Latter-day Saint movement and in the founding of settlements across the American West.
What is Brigham Young University named after?
It is named after Brigham Young.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brigham-Young
    Supports: Birth, death, role as second president of the Mormon church, and influence on the American West.
  2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/brigham-young
    Supports: Church presidency, migration to the Salt Lake Valley, settlements, territorial offices, and plural marriage context.
  3. Joseph Smith Papers — https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/brigham-young
    Supports: Biographical details, occupations, Utah territorial roles, and western settlement activity.
  4. Utah Education Network — https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/y/YOUNG_BRIGHAM.shtml
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing, and early life.