Brigham Young’s Polygamous Legacy: The Truth Behind How Many Wives Did Brigham Young Have

Published 20 June 2026

Brigham Young’s name is synonymous with the expansion of Mormonism, the settlement of Utah, and the unyielding faith of the Latter-day Saints. Yet beneath the mythos of a pioneering prophet lies one of the most debated aspects of his life: his practice of plural marriage. The question—how many wives did Brigham Young have—has echoed through history, sparking theological debates, legal battles, and cultural fascination. The answer is not as straightforward as numbers suggest; it is a story of religious conviction, political maneuvering, and personal complexity.

The Mormon practice of plural marriage, or polygamy, was central to Young’s leadership and the early LDS Church. When Young assumed presidency in 1847, he inherited a doctrine that had already been introduced by Joseph Smith, his predecessor. Smith had married multiple wives in secret, including Young’s own sister, and Young expanded the practice with a fervor that would define his legacy. But the question how many wives did Brigham Young actually take remains shrouded in ambiguity, partly due to the Church’s later efforts to obscure records and partly because the practice was never uniformly documented.

What is clear is that Young’s polygamous marriages were not merely personal choices but strategic acts—tools for consolidating power, securing alliances, and reinforcing his divine mandate. Historians estimate that Young married between 27 and 55 women, though the exact figure remains disputed. Some were sealed for eternity in temple ceremonies, while others were civil marriages. The wives ranged from teenage girls to women in their 40s, including widows, converts, and even non-Mormons. This practice, which the Church officially abandoned in 1890, continues to shape perceptions of Young, the LDS faith, and the moral boundaries of 19th-century America.

The Complete Overview of Brigham Young’s Polygamous Marriages

Understanding how many wives did Brigham Young have requires disentangling fact from legend, doctrine from politics, and personal conviction from institutional necessity. Young’s plural marriages were not an isolated eccentricity but a cornerstone of his leadership. When he led the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, he brought with him a community that had already practiced polygamy for a decade. By the time of his death in 1877, Young had cemented his role as the architect of Mormon plural marriage, a practice that would later become a flashpoint in the Church’s struggle for acceptance in the United States.

The question how many wives did Brigham Young legally have is complicated by the era’s legal and religious frameworks. In 1852, Utah Territory legalized plural marriage under Young’s governance, though this law was short-lived due to federal opposition. Young himself married at least 27 women in formal ceremonies, with additional informal unions. Some marriages were performed in secret, while others were announced publicly, creating a patchwork of records that historians still piece together. The discrepancy in numbers—ranging from 27 to 55—stems from differing interpretations of what constituted a "marriage" in Young’s eyes and the Church’s later efforts to downplay the practice.

Historical Background and Evolution

The origins of Mormon polygamy trace back to 1831, when Joseph Smith claimed a revelation from God commanding the practice. Smith’s first plural marriage was to Fanny Alger, a servant in his household, though this union was later repudiated. By the time Young took over, polygamy had become a defining feature of Mormon identity. Young’s own marriage to his first wife, Miriam Works, in 1827 was followed by his first plural marriage in 1842 to Mary Ann Angell, a widow and former neighbor. This set the precedent for what would become a lifelong pattern.

The practice was not without controversy, even within the Mormon community. Some members resisted, fearing social ostracization or financial hardship. Others embraced it as a divine duty. Young’s leadership style—charismatic, authoritarian, and deeply spiritual—made polygamy a non-negotiable aspect of Mormon life. When the U.S. government outlawed plural marriage in 1862, Young defied federal authorities, leading to the Utah War and a prolonged standoff. The question how many wives did Brigham Young have during this turbulent period became a symbol of the Church’s defiance, but also its vulnerability.

Core Mechanisms: How It Worked

Young’s polygamous marriages were structured with a mix of religious ritual and practical arrangement. Most unions were performed in temple ceremonies, where participants believed they were sealed for eternity. Others were civil marriages, often conducted in secret to avoid legal repercussions. Young’s wives were not merely passive participants; many were active in managing households, raising children, and contributing to the Church’s growth. Some wives lived together in communal arrangements, while others maintained separate homes. The practice was justified through scripture, with Young citing Doctrine and Covenants 132 as divine sanction.

The mechanics of how many wives did Brigham Young have at any given time were fluid. Young’s marriages spanned decades, with some wives being sealed posthumously after his death. He also performed plural marriages for other Church leaders, reinforcing a hierarchical system where obedience to the prophet was paramount. The lack of centralized records means that estimates of his total number of wives vary widely. Some historians argue that the true number could be higher, given that not all marriages were documented or survived historical scrutiny.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The practice of plural marriage under Young’s leadership had profound implications for the LDS Church and its followers. For Young, polygamy was a means of strengthening the community, ensuring the survival of the faith, and fulfilling what he saw as a divine commandment. The question how many wives did Brigham Young have is often framed in moral terms, but for Young and his contemporaries, it was a matter of spiritual and communal necessity. Polygamy was believed to accelerate the work of salvation, bind families together across generations, and prepare the earth for the Second Coming.

Yet the impact was not solely spiritual. Polygamy also had practical benefits, such as increasing the population of Mormon settlements, providing for widows and orphans, and creating economic stability through shared resources. Young’s marriages to young women, in particular, were seen as a way to protect them from poverty or exploitation. However, the practice also created tensions, as non-Mormons viewed it as a violation of social norms and a threat to the stability of the American family. The federal government’s crackdown on polygamy in the 1860s and 1870s forced the Church to go underground, leading to the infamous "Mormon Handcart Tragedy" and other hardships.

"The principle of plural marriage is the greatest blessing on earth, next to the shedding of the blood of the Son of God."

—Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1852

Major Advantages

• Spiritual Fulfillment: Young and his followers believed plural marriage was a sacred duty, aligning with their interpretation of scripture and divine revelation.
• Community Cohesion: The practice strengthened social bonds within Mormon settlements, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual support.
• Population Growth: By encouraging large families, polygamy helped populate Utah and other Mormon territories, ensuring the survival of the faith in hostile environments.
• Economic Stability: Shared households and resources reduced financial strain on individual families, particularly for widows and single mothers.
• Theological Distinction: Polygamy set the LDS Church apart from other Christian denominations, reinforcing its unique identity and attracting like-minded followers.

Comparative Analysis

Future Trends and Innovations

The question how many wives did Brigham Young have remains relevant today, not just as a historical inquiry but as a lens through which to examine the evolution of the LDS Church. In 1890, Young’s successor, President Woodruff, issued the "Manifesto," officially ending plural marriage to secure statehood for Utah. Yet the practice left a lasting mark on Mormon theology and culture. Fundamentalist offshoots of the LDS Church, such as the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-day Saints), continue to practice polygamy, citing Young’s legacy as justification.

Modern discussions about how many wives did Brigham Young have often intersect with broader conversations about religious freedom, gender equality, and historical accountability. The Church has made efforts to acknowledge the complexities of Young’s polygamous marriages, including the 2020 release of previously restricted records. However, debates persist over whether the Church has fully reckoned with the human cost of plural marriage, particularly for women who were married against their will or coerced into the practice. As society grapples with questions of consent and power, Young’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of faith and authority.

Conclusion

The legacy of Brigham Young’s polygamous marriages is a testament to the power of religious conviction and the complexities of historical leadership. The question how many wives did Brigham Young have may never have a definitive answer, but the impact of his choices is undeniable. For the LDS Church, polygamy was a defining chapter that shaped its identity, its struggles, and its eventual accommodation within American society. For historians, it remains a subject of rigorous debate, blending personal biography with broader themes of power, morality, and cultural adaptation.

Young’s story challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, obedience, and the personal lives of religious leaders. It also underscores the importance of historical context—understanding that what was once a matter of divine mandate became, in time, a source of controversy and change. As the Church continues to evolve, the question of Young’s wives serves as a reminder that history is not just about numbers but about the people behind them.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: How many wives did Brigham Young have?

Historians estimate that Brigham Young married between 27 and 55 women, though the exact number remains disputed due to incomplete records and varying definitions of what constituted a "marriage." Some sources suggest the number could be higher, including informal unions.

Q: Were all of Brigham Young’s wives married to him simultaneously?

No. While Young practiced plural marriage, not all of his wives were married to him at the same time. Some marriages were sequential, and others were performed posthumously after his death. The practice was flexible, with wives often living in separate households.

Q: Did Brigham Young’s wives consent to the marriages?

Consent varied widely. Some wives were devout believers who willingly entered plural marriages as an act of faith. Others, particularly younger women, may have felt pressure or coercion. Historical records suggest that many wives were promised financial security or social status in exchange for marriage.

Q: Why did the LDS Church end plural marriage?

The Church officially abandoned plural marriage in 1890 through the "Manifesto," issued by President Wilford Woodruff. The decision was primarily driven by political necessity—Utah’s statehood hinged on complying with federal anti-polygamy laws. However, theological and social pressures also played a role.

Q: Are there any descendants of Brigham Young’s wives still alive today?

Yes. Many of Brigham Young’s descendants are prominent figures in the LDS Church and broader Mormon communities. Some have spoken publicly about their family history, including the complexities of growing up in a polygamous lineage.

Q: How does the LDS Church view Brigham Young’s polygamous marriages today?

The Church acknowledges Young’s plural marriages as part of its history but does not endorse the practice. Official statements emphasize that the Manifesto marked a definitive end to polygamy. However, fundamentalist groups, such as the FLDS, continue to practice it, citing Young’s legacy.

Q: Were there any children born from Brigham Young’s polygamous marriages?

Yes. Brigham Young fathered at least 56 children with his various wives. Many of these children became influential leaders in the LDS Church, including Young’s son, Brigham Young Jr., who served as a Church apostle.

Q: Did Brigham Young’s polygamous marriages affect his leadership style?

Absolutely. Polygamy was central to Young’s authority, reinforcing his role as a prophet and the final interpreter of divine will. His marriages also helped consolidate power within the Church, as he used plural marriage to bind key followers to him and the LDS hierarchy.

Q: Are there any surviving records of Brigham Young’s marriages?

Some records survive, though many were destroyed or hidden to avoid legal repercussions. In 2020, the LDS Church released additional historical records, including some related to Young’s plural marriages. However, gaps remain, making a definitive count of his wives impossible.

Q: How did non-Mormons react to Brigham Young’s polygamous marriages?

Non-Mormons overwhelmingly viewed polygamy as immoral and a threat to American family values. The practice fueled anti-Mormon sentiment, leading to legal challenges, violent confrontations (such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre), and the Utah War.

• 19th-century America
• Brigham Young
• LDS Church
• Mormon history
• plural marriage
• polygamy
• religious controversies