I Walked to Zion: True Stories of Young Pioneers on the Mormon Trail

by Susan Arrington Madsen

What did pioneer children do for fun? What did they fear as they crossed the plains? What was it like for someone who traveled without parents? Many books have been written about the westward journey of the early latter day saints — often called one of the greatest epics in American history. In most of these descriptions however, children and teenagers are rarely seen and almost never heard. I Walked to Zion looks at this migration from the perspective of young people who experienced the great exodus.Susan Arrington Madsen, author of The Lord Needed a Prophet, has collected actual accounts of thirty young people (under the age of twenty) who were members of Mormon wagon trains and handcart companies. You'll hear their voices through their recollection found in journals and autobiographies. B. H. Roberts describes how he and his sister traveled from England as virtual orphans until they joined their mother in Utah. Fanny Fry tells of her fear when she was nearly crushed to death by a heavily loaded handcart.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2010

Reviews

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! This book is a copulation of journal and personal history records of mostly children who crossed the plains in the great Mormon Immigration to the Salt Lake area in the time period from 1847 until 1869. Probably the most interesting part to me was the little bit at the end of each story about what happened after they got there and who their famous descendants were.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guessing on the dates read. Should look at the publication date as I read it soon after it came out. I loved this series and the power of the true accounts presented.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My good friend, Cindie Walker, loaned me this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired to be a better and more committed person. The stories touch the heart.

[Jenalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories. I’m in awe of fellow human beings who lived with such faith snd courage.

[Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few pages to get into the book but once I did I was enthralled by the stories of those that crossed the plains. The book is easy to read and left me wanting to know more about each person.