When word reached Kirtland that the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, had been violently expelled from their homes, Joseph Smith sought the Lord’s will. The answer came in a revelation now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 103: the Saints were to raise a group of men and march to Missouri to “redeem Zion.” What followed—known as Zion’s Camp—was a 900-mile march through heat, hunger, and hostility. To many, the expedition looked like a failure. The exiled Saints were not restored to their lands, and the camp disbanded without a single shot fired. Yet for those who walked the long miles, the Lord had something different in mind: a schooling in faith, unity, and discipleship that would shape the future of the Church.

Go Up to Zion: Zion's Camp and Wilford Woodruff

In late 1833, reports reached Kirtland that the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, had been driven from their homes. Seeking guidance from the Lord, Joseph Smith received a revelation instructing him to raise a company of men to “redeem Zion.” The expedition, later known as Zion’s Camp, set out in May 1834 with just over two hundred volunteers, including future leaders like Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Orson Hyde. Their 900-mile march from Ohio to Missouri was marked by blistering heat, scarce resources, and opposition from hostile locals. Still, they pressed on, driven by the hope of restoring their fellow Saints to their homes.

Another participant was future Church president Wilford Woodruff, who had been baptized only a few months earlier on December 31, 1833. Just two days after his baptism, he was ordained a teacher, and in April 1834, he heard Parley P. Pratt speak of the revelation calling men to Missouri. Despite financial obligations, Wilford quickly settled his affairs and moved to Kirtland to prepare for the journey.

For Wilford, Zion’s Camp became an introduction to the life of discipleship. He later recalled, “We have walked and lived by faith, precisely the same as the Apostles, prophets and Saints have done in every dispensation and age of the world.” The hardships of the trail forged his commitment to the restored gospel and placed him among a circle of men who would later be called to lead the Church.

Strife in Zion’s Camp: Old Major and Sylvester Smith

Not everyone in Zion’s Camp responded as Wilford Woodruff did. The march sifted its participants, revealing strengths in some and weaknesses in others.

Old Major, a massive English mastiff, had been gifted to Joseph Smith by Samuel Baker during the march. Loyal and protective, the dog stayed close to the Prophet’s side, barking at perceived threats during the night. For most, Old Major was a comfort. But to company Captain Sylvester Smith (no relation to Joseph Smith), the barking was unbearable. Frustrated, he threatened to kill the dog.

The confrontation escalated quickly. George A. Smith recorded Joseph’s sharp rebuke: “If you kill that dog, I will whip you.” Despite these tensions, Sylvester and Joseph managed to reconcile their differences at a Kirtland high council hearing that summer.

For Sylvester, the lessons of Zion's Camp wouldn't stick. Though he continued in Church service for a time—even being appointed one of the first presidents of the Seventy—he eventually left the faith.

God Is in This Storm: The Storm and Sacrifice Accepted

As Zion’s Camp neared its destination, threats of mob violence grew. A local woman warned Joseph Smith of an ambush, and soon after, armed men declared that hundreds were preparing to attack. Joseph counseled restraint: they were not to strike first, but to “stand still and see the salvation of God.” That night, salvation came in the form of a furious storm. Torrential rain and hail scattered the mob, flooded the riverbanks, and left the Saints untouched. “God is in this storm,” Joseph exclaimed, and the camp spent the night in safety, singing hymns in a nearby church.

In the days that followed, Joseph received a revelation, now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 105. Zion would not be redeemed by force of arms; the time was not yet. The Lord declared that He had accepted the sacrifice of the marchers “as He did the works of Abraham.” Their offering was enough, and they were told to return home and prepare for the greater blessings that would come through the temple.

For some, the outcome was disappointing—months of hardship with no land reclaimed. For others, it was refining. The experience sifted the Saints, preparing leaders like Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff for future callings. Zion’s Camp ended not with triumph on the battlefield, but with a quiet assurance through revelation: God had accepted their sacrifices, and the continuing work of building Zion would continue in His way and in His time.

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Bonus Trivia

*Answers in footnotes

1. How many miles did Zion’s Camp travel to get to the Saints in Missouri?[1]

A. 50 miles B. 200 miles C. 900 miles D. 10,000 miles

2. How were Sylvester and Joseph Smith related?[2]

A. In-laws B. Brothers C. Cousins D. They weren’t related

3. How did Old Major come into Joseph’s possession?[3]

A. He was purchased at a pet store B. Hyrum Smith found him as a stray C. He was a gift from Samuel Baker D. He was won in a bet from Brigham Young

4. Joseph said that God accepted the sacrifice of Zion’s Camp, and it was disbanded. Where in the Doctrine and Covenants is this revelation?[4]

A. Section 54 B. Section 76 C. Section 84 D. Section 105