Mountain Meadows Massacre |
The Mountain Meadows Massacre is an often misrepresented event in Mormon History. The event is often misconstrued by anti-Mormons as they draw conclusions about the Mormon Church as a whole. In order to fully understand the Mountain Meadows Massacre, one must understand the context of the situation and the times. The Mountain Meadows Massacre was committed by one small group of Mormons and in no way is a reflection of the beliefs of the LDS church.
In 1857, Mormons were happily settled in the Salt Lake Valley and the church was being led by the Prophet Brigham Young. Soon after the tenth anniversary of the saints relocating to Salt Lake, Brigham Young was informed that the President of the United States, James Buchanan had cut off mail service to Utah. Word got to Brigham Young that Buchanan secretly dispatched a newly appointed territorial governor, Alfred Cumming, to "restore order" with the aid of federal troops. Federal troops were sent due to rising fear of Mormon’s devotion to the Prophet Brigham Young and thought it could lead to treason. Mormons were a threat politically because they, as a huge group, could sway the vote. The Republican Party demanded that action be taken, and the President responded by sending federal troops. This act is known as "Buchanan’s Blunder." After being run out of both Missouri and Nauvoo, Mormons were worried that they would lose their land and be driven out of the Salt Lake Valley. Brigham Young prepared his people for possible war with the United States. He joined forces with neighboring Indian tribes. Tension was high in the territory at the time and Mormons feared losing their home once again.
That same year, 1857, the Baker-Fancher train passed through on the Oregon trail on their way to California. Mormons were used to pioneers passing through the territory and Mormons hardly took notice or were fearful of these wagon parties. Word got to the Mormons in the valley that this group had participated in the expulsion of Mormons from Missouri and Illinois. There were even reports that they were responsible for killing the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith. Reports surfaced that the group would return after they reached California to help the U.S. Army deal with the Mormons. Mormons believed that the party poisoned a nearby spring, which resulted in death among many white and Indians in the area. Needless to say, Mormons were threatened and scared about their impending future.
When the pioneers reached southern Utah, local Mormons were unsure of what to do with the threat of these unknown pioneers. Major Isaac Haight conceived a plan to include local Piute Indians against the emigrants with John D. Lee as their leader. There is much speculation in the degree to which the Indians were involved. Some claim they were not involved at all, and the Mormons disguised themselves as Indians. Another belief is that the Indians were already furious and the Mormons were holding them back until they decided what to do. Major Isaac Haight wanted to take action, but Laban Morrill finally persuaded him to seek counsel from Brigham Young.
All records indicate that Brigham Young did not order an attack on the Indians. Instead, Brigham’s message read, "In regard to the emigration trains passing through our settlements, we must not interfere with them until they are first notified to keep away. You must not meddle with them. The Indians we expect will do as they please but you should try and preserve good feelings with them." These instructions are being held in the Mormon Church archives. They were two days late getting to the settlers, and at that point they had already taken matters into their own hands and attacked the camp at Mountain Meadows. Several were killed and many wounded. The battle lasted four days. A flag of truce was sent to the camp and answered by a Mr. Hamilton. The settlers surrendered to the Mormon army, exhausted and running low on ammunition. The conflict ended when leader of the Mormons and Indians yelled, "Do your duty," whereupon members of the Mormon militia turned to their enemies and shot each of them.
After the incident, John D. Lee was sent to Salt Lake City and reported to Brigham Young what had occurred. The local leaders at first portrayed the incident as an attack by Indians. When evidence began to implicate white settlers, Brigham Young urged the new Governor Cumming to investigate and accusations were made.
Many were furious over the incident and some demanded a complete federal investigation of the incident. After the Civil War began, the issue was largely forgotten until it was reignited in the 1870s. Fifteen years had passed since the Mountain Meadows Massacre; tempers had subsided and much of the evidence had disappeared. However, after two trials, John D. Lee was convicted and sentenced to death. He was the only person tried and convicted for involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre has left a black mark on Mormon history. Often times, the event is misunderstood or misrepresented. Some try to misconstrue the evidence to say that Brigham Young ordered the attack. Some use the incident to try to say that the Mormon Church inspires people to act irrationally. All of these are untrue. Just like any event in history, one must understand the difference in the times. Mormons have never tried to justify the crimes committed during the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Mormons are not perfect people as this event clearly shows. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is in no way a reflection on the Mormon Church, its beliefs, or its people.