This podcast is the story of the West before the Mormons. It begins with the story of Spanish explorers exploring the West, followed then by the mountain men and trappers in search of furs. It was the mountain men who first opened and the overland trail through South Pass.

In the winter of 1846-47 most of the Saints headed west were gathered at Winter Quarters on the banks of the Missouri River. However, there was a small group of some of the Church's most valuable men who were hunkered down elsewhere. They had been the Church's advance party. This is their story--it is one of hardship, courage, struggle, and ultimately--victory.