‘Mormon Land’: Brigham Young, sea gulls, handcarts and hardships — separating myth from reality in the LDS pioneer trek

By all accounts, the Mormon migration from Illinois to the Great Basin was a monumental journey, one that helped shape the LDS Church and the American West.

But, as with many historic events, the truth about the trek can get twisted and turned through the years. Did Brigham Young, for instance, really say “this is the right place”? Did sea gulls save crops from marauding bands of crickets? Did no handcart pioneer ever leave the faith?

This week in Mormon Land: Gender gap in LDS songs, dreams of a two-hour block, wins and losses on the LGBTQ front

‘Mormon Land’: Affirmation leaders discuss LDS donation, diversity and whether their LGBTQ support group is getting too tight with the church

‘Mormon Land’: A weekend of artistic expression — with an LDS twist

‘Mormon Land’: A new hymnal is coming, so which songs should stay, which should go, and which should be added?