Life along the trail was hard for some, adventurous for others; there was despair for a few, and opportunity for many. There was a common thread shared by most on the trail, that was of a hope for a better life in the Mormon “Zion”.

Aroet Hale was 24 years-old in 1848 when he traveled the Mormon Trail. He said the journey “was hard on old people and women with children. The young folks had enjoyment . . . [The wagon companies] frequently stop within a mile or so apart. The young would visit from one camp to another. And frequently would get music and have a good dance on the ground . . . I formed an acquaintance with a young lady crossing the plains that I afterwards married. Her name was Olive Whittle . . . from Canada. So I done my sparking along the road. So I did not have so much to do after I got into the valley.” (Sparking was flirting done by the young.)