Probably unknown to a majority of Arizonans is the fact that the area of
this State once was included within the State of Deseret, the domain the
early Mormons laid out for themselves in the western wilds. The State of
Deseret was a natural sort of entity, with a governor, with courts, peace
officers and a militia. It was a great dream, yet a dream that had being
and substance for a material stretch of time. Undoubtedly its conception
was with Brigham Young, whose prophetic vision pictured the day when,
under Mormon auspices, there would be development of the entire enormous
basin of the Colorado River, with seaports on the Pacific. The name was
not based upon the word "desert." It is a Book of Mormon designation for
"honey bee."
This State of Deseret was a strictly Mormon institution, headed by the
Church authorities and with the bishops of all the wards ex-officio
magistrates. At the same time, there should be understanding that in
nowise was it antagonistic to the government of the United States. It was
a grand plan, under which there was hope that, with a population at the
time of about 15,000, there might be admission of the intermountain
region into the union of States.
The movement for the new State started with a call issued in 1849,
addressed to all citizens of that portion of California lying east of the
Sierra Nevada Mountains. There was a convention in March, probably
attended by very few outside the Church, despite the broadness of the
plan. In the preamble of the constitution adopted there was recitation
that Congress had failed to provide any civil government, so necessary
for the peace, security and prosperity of society, that "all political
power is inherent in the people, and governments instituted for their
protection, security and benefit should emanate from the same."
Therefore, there was recommendation of a constitution until the Congress
should provide other government and admit the new State into the Union.
There was expression of gratitude to the Supreme Being for blessings
enjoyed and submission to the national government freely was
acknowledged.