Journeys Indicating Distances

Title

Journeys Indicating Distances

Publication Type

Chart

Year of Publication

1999

Authors

Welch, John W. (Primary), and Welch, Greg (Primary)

Number

13-152

Publisher

Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies

City

Provo, UT

URL

https://byustudies.byu.edu/charts/13-152-journeys-indicating-distances

Terms of use

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Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

Many accounts of journeys are found in the Book of Mormon, and approximate distances can be determined from the details in those accounts. For example, Alma's group traveled approximately twenty-one days from the Waters of Mormon (near the city of Nephi) to Zarahemla (see Mosiah 23:3; 24:25). Since the group consisted of men, women, children, and flocks, the journey was probably a relatively slow one. Basing his calculations on the rates of travel for Mormon pioneers and Guatemalan pig herders, John L. Sorenson concludes that Alma's group most likely traveled about eleven miles a day. If we take into account the twists and turns of the wilderness through which they traveled, the journey was probably around 250 miles (180 miles if they traveled in a straight line, as shown on the map). The distances for the other five journeys listed on this map were determined in a similar fashion, although considerable time must be allowed in Ammon's case for the group's losing its way in the wilderness (see Mosiah 7:4).

Journey

Distance

Book of Mormon Geography