In 1850, Zenas Gurley settled with his family in this area. After he broke with Brigham Young because of his polygamy practices, his charisma and leadership drew other devout families here. The settlement was called Zarahemla or City of God because the beautiful surroundings made them feel they had found Zion, or an ideal society. Gurley also played a major role in the development of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints, now headquartered in Independence, Missouri.