Although the Voree area was inhabited by Native Americans prior to the arrival of the first Europeans, the most notable part of its history begins in 1844, after the death of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. James J. Strang, who had declared himself Smith's successor, established Voree, then within the Wisconsin Territory as a "gathering place" for those Latter Day Saints who chose to follow his leadership rather than that of Brigham Young or other claimants. Strang's followers moved from Nauvoo, Illinois and other places to Voree. Young's followers relocated to the Salt Lake Valley in what would ultimately become the Utah Territory, where they established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is now the largest "Mormon" denomination. The Strang, Young, and Joseph Smith III Mormon church organizations each claimed to be the sole legal continuance and succession leader of Joseph Smith's church, each rejecting all claims to the legitimacy of the others.