Discovering the True Brigham Young: His Life and Legacy After American Primeval

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.

In Netflix’s newly released period Western series American Primeval, Brigham Young emerges as a significant historical figure and antagonist. Premiering on January 9, 2025, this series immerses viewers in the tumultuous American West during 1857, particularly in the largely unregulated territory of Utah. With its portrayal of brutal conflicts among early settlers, indigenous tribes, and cultists, the series explores the darker aspects of survival and control in a new world.

Under the direction of Peter Berg, known for his work on Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor, all six episodes delve into the rich, yet gritty narrative that bears stylistic resemblances to acclaimed films like The Revenant. The cast, featuring Taylor Kitsch alongside Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, and others, brings depth to the complex relationships and brutal survival tactics depicted throughout the series.

A pivotal moment in the series is Brigham Young’s acquisition and subsequent destruction of Fort Bridger, an action taken to prevent the incursion of U.S. troops into Utah Territory.

The Rise of Brigham Young as the President of the Church of Latter-day Saints

Early Involvement with the Latter-day Saints

American Primeval Season 1 — Image via Netflix

Brigham Young’s journey with the Church of the Latter-day Saints began in April 1832 when he joined what was then known as the Church of Christ. Born in Whitingham, Vermont, he moved to New York with his family as a child. Influenced by a strict Puritan upbringing, Young first came across the church through Heber C. Kimball in Mendon, New York. His engagement with the Book of Mormon began around 1830, culminating in a meeting with Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, in 1832. Shortly thereafter, he became an active member of the Latter-day Saints (History).

By February 1835, Young was appointed as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, leading missions in Pennsylvania and New York to convert Indigenous Peoples. His leadership continued to strengthen as he migrated to Missouri, where he became the oldest member of the Quorum. Following Joseph Smith’s assassination in 1844, Young took over the presidency of the Latter-day Saints.

Brigham Young and the Founding of Salt Lake City

Establishment of Salt Lake City

In 1848, Young was officially designated President of the Latter-day Saints after leading the community to the Salt Lake Valley following conflicts in Nauvoo. At that time, this region was still under Mexican control, but after the Mexican-American War, the U.S. government designated Young as governor of the newly formed Utah Territory in 1850. He administered this theocratic governance, placing church doctrines ahead of civil law, earning him titles like “Lion of the Lord”and “American Moses.”

On July 24, 1847, Young founded Salt Lake City, which is celebrated as Pioneer Day in Utah. He orchestrated the urban layout of the city and became the second president of the Latter-day Saints later that year. Appointed as Utah’s first governor by President Millard Fillmore in February 1851, he played a crucial role in establishing settlements and fostering peaceful relations with local Indigenous tribes (Utah History).

Brigham Young’s Leadership During the Utah War

Resistance Against U.S. Troops

Young played a pivotal role during the Utah War, which lasted from May 1857 to July 1858. This conflict arose when U.S. President James Buchanan deployed military forces to the territory, raising alarms among Young and the Latter-day Saints. In response, Mormon settlers took measures to protect their community, leading to hostile encounters, including the tragic deaths of unarmed settlers, as fears of espionage gripped their ranks. This violent altercation led to approximately 150 fatalities before concluding with a presidential pardon for the Latter-day Saints and Young’s replacement as governor by Alfred Cumming.

The Legacy and Death of Brigham Young

Final Years and Passing

After resigning as governor in 1858, Brigham Young continued his leadership of the Latter-day Saints until his death on August 29, 1877. He played a crucial role in the establishment of educational institutions, founding the University of Deseret in 1875, which later became Brigham Young Academy, the precursor to today’s Brigham Young University. Throughout his tenure, he supervised the construction of notable LDS temples, including St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877), while his teachings were compiled in the Journal of Discourses and the Church’s Doctrine and Covenants.

Younger suffered from ailments described as “cholera morbus and inflammation of the bowels,”but it is believed he ultimately succumbed to peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix (New York Times). He was laid to rest on September 2, 1877, in a funeral attended by between 12,000 and 15,000 people at the Tabernacle, marking the profound impact he had on his community (New York Times).

Sources: History, Utah History, New York Times, BYU

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