On this day in 1847, the Mormon leaders left Winter Quarters for the third and final time.

WILFORD WOODRUFF JOURNAL: "I CALLED MY FAMILY TOGETHER AND BLESSED MY WIFE AND CHILDREN AND LEFT THEM IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD."

The main body of pioneers remained in camp near the Platte River. Another group was in between with Thomas Bullock.

"AS THEY HITCHED THEIR WAGONS HERE ON THE OPEN PRAIRIE, FOUR OMAHA INDIANS CAME RUSHING DOWN UPON THEM. IT FRIGHTENED THE MEN...BUT ALSO THE CATTLE. THREE MILES LATER, BULLOCK CAUGHT UP WITH HIS ANIMALS AND BROUGHT THEM BACK."

The Indians left and eventually the small group of pioneers moved on.