165 years ago today - Jul 22, 1847

In Immigration Canyon William Clayton writes: "While the brethren were cutting the road I followed the old one to the top of the hill [Donner hill from which he could view the Great Salt Lake, as well as entire Great Salt Lake Valley] and on arriving there was much cheered by a handsome view of the great Salt Lake laying as I should judge, from 25 to 30 miles to the west of us, and at 11 o'clock I sat down to contemplate and view the surrounding scenery. There is an extensive, beautiful, level looking valley from here to the Lake which I should judge from the numerous deep green patches must be fertile and rich. . . . The ground seems literally alive with the very large black crickets crawling round, up grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously." An advance party led by Orson Pratt arrives in the Salt Lake Valley and begins planting crops.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]