High West, Brigham Young, and Mars

Mars is the next opportunity to build a culturally unified colony in a new frontier.

A visit to the High West Distillery in Utah turned out to be more than just a whiskey-tasting adventure. It unexpectedly became a lesson about Brigham Young and the vision he had for the Mormon community in the old West. His mission wasn’t just about faith—it was about building a sustainable, self-sufficient society in an unforgiving, uncharted land. That level of ambition and foresight got me thinking: when in history have groups had the chance to start fresh on such a massive scale?

And then it hit me: the next frontier for that kind of bold, communal reinvention isn’t on Earth. It’s Mars.

From Utah to Mars

Brigham Young’s vision for the Mormon pioneers was both practical and profound. He combined faith with meticulous planning to turn a barren desert into a thriving community. They built a culture, governance structures, and even a mythology that gave them purpose in an inhospitable environment. The parallels to Mars are striking.

Mars is humanity’s chance to start from scratch. It’s harsher than the Utah desert and far more remote. Basic needs like food, water, and energy will need to be built from nothing. And just like Young’s settlers, Martians will have to rely on innovation, unity, and a shared vision to succeed. Elon Musk’s Starship, the launch system designed to carry both payloads and people to Mars, is nearly complete. Musk estimates we could see the first trips within 2-4 years.

Building a New Culture

The technology to reach Mars is fascinating, but what excites me most is the opportunity to build something completely new once we’re there. With the communication delay between Earth and Mars, there’s no choice but to operate independently. This creates fertile ground for new myths, traditions, and systems to take root—a clean slate for culture.

Just like the Mormon pioneers crafted their own identity in isolation, Mars settlers will create something entirely their own. Over time, this separation will likely give rise to distinct art, philosophies, and stories—a Martian mythology born out of their unique challenges and triumphs.

The Opportunity Ahead

Mars isn’t just for engineers and scientists. It’s a canvas for dreamers, artists, and anyone who wants to build something new. The first settlers won’t just be setting up habitats; they’ll be laying the foundations for a way of life. What kind of values will define Martian society? What stories will they tell to inspire future generations?

We’re standing at the edge of one of humanity’s greatest opportunities—to explore not just a new planet, but the very essence of what it means to build a civilization. And maybe, much like the Mormon pioneers in Utah, those first Martians will look back on their journey as the beginning of something legendary.

If you were starting over on Mars, what kind of culture would you create?