<P> The handcarts were modeled after carts used by street sweepers and were made almost entirely of wood . They were generally six to seven feet (183 to 213 cm) long, wide enough to span a narrow wagon track, and could be alternately pushed or pulled . The small boxes affixed to the carts were three to four feet (91 to 122 cm) long and eight inches (20 cm) high . They could carry about 500 pounds (227 kg), most of this weight consisting of trail provisions and a few personal possessions . </P> <P> All but two of the handcart companies successfully completed the rugged journey, with relatively few problems and only a few deaths . However, the fourth and fifth companies, known as the Willie and Martin Companies, respectively, had serious problems . The companies left Iowa City, Iowa, in July 1856, very late to begin the trip across the plains . They met severe winter weather west of present - day Casper, Wyoming, and continued to cope with deep snow and storms for the remainder of the journey . Food supplies were soon exhausted . Young organized a rescue effort that brought the companies in, but more than 210 of the 980 emigrants in the two parties died . </P> <P> The handcart companies continued with more success until 1860, and traditional ox - and - wagon companies also continued for those who could afford the higher cost . After 1860, the church began sending wagon companies east each spring, to return to Utah in the summer with the emigrating Latter - day Saints . Finally, with the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, future emigrants were able to travel by rail, and the era of the Mormon pioneer trail came to an end . </P> <P> The following are major points along the trail at which the early Mormon pioneers stopped, established temporary camps, or used as landmarks and meeting places . The sites are categorized by their location in respect to modern - day US states . </P>

Why did the latter-day saints head to the salt lake region and who led them there