Following the settling of the Salt Lake Valley, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Europe and elsewhere traversed the United States, working their way to Utah. After crossing the ocean, many utilized railroads and rivers to the points where covered wagons and handcarts then were used.
One well-used route was along the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Missouri, then up the Missouri River via steamship to a predetermined point where the Saints could rendezvous with the wagons and teamsters.
One such steamship, the Saluda, stopped for a time at Lexington, Lafayette County, Missouri. As the travelers continued the trip on April 9, 1852, the Saluda exploded, killing dozens and injuring many more. Locals labored diligently to help the injured cope with the horrific ordeal.
These images show commemorative plaques at the Machpelah Cemetery and in Heritage Park in Lexington. The town of Lexington was the site of a Civil War battle Sept. 18-20, 1861.