- Persecuted by the U.S. government and mobs of anti-Mormons in Missouri and Illinois. Felt Utah would be a refuge.
Divine Guidance
- Brigham claimed to have received a divine revelation that the Mormons were to settle in the Great Basin.
New Opportunities
- Promised settlers 160 acres of land in the new settlement.
- Wanted to isolate their communities from wider society and avoid further conflict.
