Question

Mormon pioneers established Salt Lake City in 1847, shortly before the area became part of the United States. The town was important to westward expansion because it was
A.
the only major settlement between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.
B.
the first major settlement located within the land ceded by Mexico.
C.
the only major settlement between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
D.
the first major settlement located within the Oregon Territory.

Answer 1

C.

Salt Lake City (founded 1847) became the principal oasis and supply/resupply settlement for emigrants crossing the Great Basin — effectively the only major settlement between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada — making it vital to westward migration and overland trails to California and Oregon.