Season 3 Episode 10 The Legacy of the Handcart Companies

Description

By December 15, 1856, the last of the emigrants had made it into Salt Lake City. Their arrival was neither the end of their sufferings, nor the end of the story. The whole thing was considered a tragedy, an embarrassment, an event not often spoken of for decades to come, yet somehow, over time, the tragedy of the Willie and Martin Companies changed from a regrettable mistake into a badge of honor—a symbol of faith and courage. Those few with handcarts came to symbolize for many the entire pioneer migration experience.