Leonard J. Arrington was born on July 2nd, 1917

Written by: Carlos Hernandez

Leonard J. Arrington: The Dean of Mormon History

Known as the "Dean of Mormon History" and the "Father of Mormon History," Leonard J. Arrington was a renowned American author, academic, and historian who revolutionized the field of Mormon studies. His immense contributions to the field earned him the respect and admiration of scholars and enthusiasts alike, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in Mormon historical research.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 2, 1917, in Idaho, Arrington grew up in a large family of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He pursued higher education at the University of Idaho, where he studied agricultural economics, and later at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he continued his studies in economics.

Academic Career and Contributions

• In 1958, Arrington's seminal work, Great Basin Kingdom: An Economic History of the Latter-day Saints, 1830-1900, was published by Harvard University Press, establishing him as a leading authority on Mormon history.
• He taught Western American History at Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1972 to 1987, during which he also served as the first Church Historian for the LDS Church from 1972 to 1982, a position that allowed him to spearhead numerous projects documenting LDS Church history.
• Arrington's research and writings focused on Mormon biographies, and he was instrumental in establishing the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Church History, which he directed from 1982 to 1986.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Arrington's work had a profound impact on the field of Mormon history, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers. His legacy extends beyond his academic contributions, as he played a crucial role in shaping the way Mormon history is perceived and understood.

• He was the first professional historian to be appointed as the Church Historian, marking a significant shift in the way the LDS Church approached its historical records and documentation.
• Under his leadership, the Historical Department was established, which aimed to document LDS Church history through various projects, including articles, books, and other scholarly works.

Awards and Honors

Arrington's contributions to the field of Mormon history were recognized through various awards and honors, including:

• The Mormon History Association's highest honor, the Leonard J. Arrington Award, which is named after him.
• The Utah State Historical Society's Award of Merit.

Personal Life and Milestones

Arrington's personal life was marked by several milestones, including:

• He was married to Grace Fortuna, and they had three children together.
• He served as a missionary for the LDS Church in Italy from 1941 to 1943.

Legacy and Impact

Leonard J. Arrington's contributions to the field of Mormon history are immeasurable. His dedication to documenting and preserving LDS Church history has inspired generations of scholars and enthusiasts, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential historians of his time.

Through his work, Arrington demonstrated a commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and thoroughness, setting a high standard for Mormon historical research that continues to inspire and guide scholars today.