in july 1847 the first company reached the salt lake valley, with scouts erastus snow and orson pratt entering the valley on july 21. pratt wrote: "...we could not refrain from a shout of joy, which almost involuntarily escaped from our lips the moment this grand and lovely scenery was within our view." the two scouts undertook a twelve-mile (19 km) exploratory circuit into the valley before returning to the larger party. the next day, larger segments of the valley were explored, streams and hot springs investigated and the first camp established in the salt lake valley. on july 23, pratt offered a prayer dedicating the land to the lord. ground was broken, irrigation ditches were dug, and the first fields of potatoes and turnips were planted.