Item Detail
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11257
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12
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11
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English
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Fish and the Famine of 1855-56
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Journal of Mormon History
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Fall 2001
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27
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2
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Salt Lake City, UT
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Mormon History Association
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92-124
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[2002 Mormon Historical Association Winner for Article Award of Excellence]
A mild winter in 1854-55 allowed for enormous quantities of grasshoppers to infest Utah in waves, stripping all of the vegetation throughout the following spring and summer. Potatoes, one of the few crops spared by the grasshoppers, were destroyed by the 'blue bug.' The valley also experienced a drought that caused the death of a large number of stock and canyon fires. Many families were forced to ration their flour supply by early summer. Fish from Utah Lake became a dietary staple during the following famine. Tithing fish were given to the men working on the temple. Also, fish began to supplement beef as payment for public workers. Ward fishing companies and individuals caught fish for the poor on Utah Lake and in the Jordan River. Several commercial fishing companies were already established on Utah Lake and had exclusive fishing rights. This was also a traditional fishing spot for all Indians within 150 miles. For the duration of the famine, all fishing rights were suspended and everyone had an equal opportunity for catching fish. Still, with so many people, some conflict was inevitable. Many farmers complained of trampled crops from invading fisherman. The heavy fishing of Utah Lake was instrumental in surviving the famine of 1855-56, but it also took its toll on the fish population, which still suffers diminished numbers.
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