Joseph Smith, Brigham Young Listed Among America’s Most Significant People

Smithsonian magazine released a collector’s edition and included in it a compiled list of the 100 most significant Americans in history.

The magazine separates the list of people into different categories, including trailblazers, presidents, first women, athletes, outlaws, artists, pop icons, and religious figures. Smithsonianmag.com listed both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young at the top of the Religious Figures category. The two early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints occupy the top spot and the third spot, respectively, in the list consisting of 11 names.

Steven Skiena and Charles B. Ward worked together to compile the list of America’s most significant after conducting their own research on the subject. Skiena and Ward developed a method of ranking historical figures according to their significance. Smithsonian reports that the two looked at what the individual’s have accomplished and how much others remember and value them for their achievements.

The Smithsonian also includes in its magazine a short biography of each individual listed. Smith’s biography tells of the First Vision and the organization of the Church. Of Smith, the Smithsonian reads,

[pull_quote_center]In the 14 years he led the Church, … Smith created a religious culture that survived his death, flourished in the most desolate regions of the United States, and continues to grow worldwide.[/pull_quote_center]

Of Young, the magazine states,

[pull_quote_center]He made Mormonism what it became after Joseph Smith was lynched. Young, a craftsman from New York State, led the exodus of the faithful to what is now Utah.[/pull_quote_center]

Read the full list of America’s most significant people on the Smithsonian’s website. To read the biographies of each individual you must purchase a copy of the issue.