The Mountain Meadows Massacre by Nancy J. Farrier

Mountain Meadows Panorama, by Philkon Konstantin, Public Domain

 

The beautiful mountains of Utah high country was the setting for one of the largest massacres to ever occur in United States history. Over 120 people died in this brutal event. This is the story of what led to their murders.

 

It was August 10^th, 1857 when the Fancher wagon train arrived in Salt Lake City. They had traveled from Arkansas, changing names a couple of times, but were about 150 strong, with about 900 head of cattle. On their way to California, the Fancher train was in dire need of rest and replenishment of their supplies.

 

Brigham Young
Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain

For several years, there had been dissension between the Mormons and the U.S. government. The Mormons came to Utah territory in 1847 to escape persecution and had tried to declare Utah the State of Deseret but were rejected by the federal government. 

 

In 1857, James Buchanan, newly elected President, was against Brigham Young’s beliefs and his attempts to control the government in Utah. Declaring Young and Utah territory were “in rebellion,” Buchanan and his cabinet planned to send a large Army expedition to remove Young.

 

Because of the declaration by the President, Young declared Utah to be in a state of war and wanted his men to be ready. They set up a militia that included all the men who were able fighters. He also imposed a ruling that anyone crossing Utah territory needed a permit. Without that permit, they were to be eliminated.

 

The Fancher wagon train had trouble getting the supplies they needed. They discussed which route they would take leaving Salt Lake City and decided on the one that went through Mountain Meadows. 

 

They left Salt Lake City, not knowing they needed a permit to continue. When they arrived in Mountain Meadow, a large diamond shaped valley full of lush grass and many streams, they camped to rest up and allow their cattle to replenish.

 

Isaac Haight, Public Domain 
Wikimedia Commons

Fancher had already run afoul of some of the local militia leaders, John D. Lee and Isaac Haight. Tensions were high. Lee and Haight decided to show the emigrants their place. They asked for help from a Paiute tribe and all the militia dressed like the Paiutes to blame them on the attack.

 

On September 7^th, the raid  began. Fancher, thinking this was a Paiute attack, circled the wagons and dug pits to protect his men as they returned fire. They held out for four days of assaults, losing several people, and going without food and water. 

 

John D. Lee
Public Domain

Fancher finally waved the white flag. Some of the militia came forward not dressed as Paiutes and as if they had just arrived and were there to save the wagon train. They promised to escort the emigrants back to Cedar City. They put seventeen children, too young to walk, in a wagon, along with some of the mothers and wounded. The rest of the people had to walk behind the wagon.

 

Survivor Christopher 
"Kit" Fancher as adult 
Public Domain

After they’d gone about a mile and a half, they were strung out and each bunch of emigrants was cut off from the other. Then the militia and Paiutes attacked, killing off all but the seventeen children in the lead wagon. Those children were taken into Mormon homes, while the bodies of their parents and others were thrown in shallow graves.

 

A year and half later, Arkansas relatives of the group, demanded an investigation. The Mormons began by blaming the Paiutes, but the truth came out. All 17 children were eventually found and reunited with family members. They arrived in Arkansas two years after the massacre.

 

1877 Article on Lee's Execution
Public Domain

The government eventually accused some of the militia men, but only put John D. Lee on trial for the massacre. He was found guilty in 1877 and executed by firing squad at the site of the massacre.

 

1999 Monument/Cairn, Photo by Mangoman88
Wikimedia Commons

There were many more factors that led to this tragedy. The attack was brutal. A witness recalled the women begging for their lives and being clubbed to death anyway. What excuses this type of brutality? A threat to your way of life?  It’s a sad time in our history.

 

Have you ever heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre? I’ve driven by the site but never stopped to view the marker that was erected. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Memorial at site, Photo by Lankyrider
Wikimedia Commons

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.