Season 2 Episode 23 Sailing to Zion

Description

Before most foreign converts ever traversed the overland trail in America they had to sail over the oceans, and they described that as by far the most dangerous part of the journey. The first emigrant voyage was from England in 1840. Liverpool was the heartbeat and center of European emigration for the Saints. Emigration functioned under the direction of the Priesthood. LDS emigration agents served on both sides of the ocean to assist the Saints in their passage. Each ship of Saints had a president over the company. The Saints sacrificed so much to leave their homeland and sail to Zion. Seasickness was serious and common among the emigrants. Ship captains generally welcomed Mormons on board as they were considered a signal of safe passage.