This paper surveys the Latter-day Saint use of the historic trail often called the Mormon trail to Southern California. In 1848, the Mormon Battalion was the first ever to akte wagons over the route. In 1851, the largest emigrant company ever, 437 people, traveled the trail to found San Bernardino, with many others following later. Mormon mail carriers, freight wagon drivers, and missionaries to the Native Americans have all left important records of their experiences. Of particular interest are the Mormon missionaries who operated the Las Vegas mission for several years after 1855.

Edward Leo Lyman, Russ Frandsen