The Mormon Trail is a historic route that early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as Mormons) traveled during the mid-1800s. This trail stretched approximately 1,300 miles from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah. It was used by thousands of Mormons seeking religious freedom and a new home after facing persecution in the eastern United States. The trail was marked by various landmarks, including Fort Bridger and Independence Rock. Travelers faced numerous challenges, such as harsh weather and difficult terrain, but they established communities along the way. Today, the Mormon Trail is recognized for its historical significance and is part of the National Historic Trails System.