Parley P. Pratt and the San Francisco Press, 1851 to 1855

Authors

Matthew J. Grow, Brigham Young University
Dr. David J. Whittaker, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Parley P. Pratt, San Francisco Press, Mormon studies, newspapers

College

Harold B. Lee Library

Abstract

Parley P. Pratt served two terms as President of the Mormon Pacific Mission based in San Francisco during the early and mid-1850s. With his vast experience in writing and publishing, he concentrated much of his efforts on spreading the Mormon message through pamphlets and through interaction with the local press. Particularly during his second mission, he engaged in a lively debate with the local newspapers, which has previously been unnoticed by Mormon historians. Gold rush San Francisco boasted a highly literate and cosmopolitan population, and the city supported a large number of newspapers. The dire financial situation of Pratt and other local Church members precluded publishing a large number of tracts and pamphlets; instead, Pratt relied on the city’s mainstream newspapers to increase the Church’s public visibility.

Recommended Citation

Grow, Matthew J. and Whittaker, Dr. David J. (2014) "Parley P. Pratt and the San Francisco Press, 1851 to 1855," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1346.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1346