Upon leaving Zodiac in Gillespie County in 1851, Lyman Wight led a group which settled at Hamilton Creek[5] to establish their new colony.

Self-sustaining, while also supplying needed goods and services to nearby communities, the colonists engaged in agriculture, the blacksmith and furniture trades, as well as basketry and clothing manufacturing.

[7] In Burnet County, the Mormons suffered religious persecution, lived in fear of Indian depredations, and found themselves in financial debt.

Smithwick opened a store and a school for the remaining Mormons, and made mill modifications to encourage use by local farmers.

[8] In December 1853 Wight and his followers moved to Bandera County, establishing Mormon Camp in March 1854.