United States 2005

Salt Lake City, historic capital of Mormons and Utah, right next to the Great Salt Lake.

Mormons and the birth of Salt Lake City

This religious organization founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, is officially named The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The prophet Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon from gold plates that divine apparitions had revealed to him. This book tells the history and origin of the first inhabitants of America and is largely based on the Bible. On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith was assassinated. One of his disciples, Brigham Young, took the lead of the movement and led the followers to the promised land in the western United States. After crossing the Rockies, he planted his staff in the ground and proclaimed: "this is the place". It is 1847, Salt Lake City is born.

You will have understood, Mormons are essential here, especially since tourist sites are managed by them. At Temple Square, you will not escape the very pressing invitations of young Mormon girls to serve as your guide... In fact, they will explain to you how much their religion is a source of truth and that it is the best in the world... and blah blah blah... I lasted 5 seconds...........

Also note, all the places where you can have access to the internet to do genealogical research, Mormon specialty.

Also note, all the places where you can have access to the internet to do genealogical research, Mormon specialty.

TEMPLE SQUARE

The Salt Lake Temple (construction from 1853 to 1893)

Exterior and interior of the Assembly Hall (built in 1877)

Also on Temple Square, you can go inside the large Church Office Building which houses the Mormon bureaucracy.
A guide invites us to go to the very top of this building, on the terrace of the 26th floor. A very interesting discussion in the open air will follow on Salt Lake City and the Mormons.

On the left, far back, the Utah State Capitol.

The Salt Lake Temple and behind the Tabernacle

Typical newspaper dispensers as well as the famous Schools Buses

City Hall on Washington Square Park

The First Presbyterian Church

Our faithful nag (and some mosquitoes) in front of Motel 6.
After 17 days and 6000 kilometers, at -86 meters or at +3500 meters, she never failed us and we got attached to her but we had to return her to her masters !!! boohoo !!

But tomorrow begins a second trip: New York City !!