Utah War

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The Utah War, also known as the Utah Expedition, the Mormon Rebellion, or Buchanan's Blunder, was an armed confrontation between Mormon settlers in the Utah Territory and the armed forces of the United States government. The conflict lasted from May 1857 to July 1858. Although there were casualties, the war was largely bloodless and was resolved through negotiation.

Background

The Utah War was rooted in the tension between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the federal government. The LDS Church, led by Brigham Young, had established a theocratic government in the Utah Territory, which was seen as a challenge to federal authority. The conflict was exacerbated by reports of polygamy and other practices that were controversial at the time.

Causes

The immediate cause of the Utah War was President James Buchanan's decision to replace Brigham Young as governor of the Utah Territory with Alfred Cumming. Buchanan believed that the Mormons were in open rebellion against the United States. In response, he dispatched a military expedition to enforce the new governor's authority.

Conflict

The military expedition, led by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, faced significant challenges, including harsh weather and logistical difficulties. The Mormons employed a strategy of harassment and scorched earth, burning supply trains and driving off livestock to slow the army's advance.

Mountain Meadows Massacre

One of the most tragic events associated with the Utah War was the Mountain Meadows Massacre, in which a group of Mormon militia and Native American allies killed approximately 120 emigrants traveling through the territory. The massacre occurred on September 11, 1857, and remains a controversial and heavily debated event in American history.

Resolution

The conflict was ultimately resolved through negotiation. In April 1858, a peace commission was sent by President Buchanan to negotiate with the Mormon leadership. Brigham Young agreed to step down as governor, and Alfred Cumming took office without further bloodshed. The federal troops entered Salt Lake City in June 1858 but did not engage in any significant military action.

Aftermath

The Utah War had several long-term consequences. It solidified federal authority in the Utah Territory and marked the end of theocratic governance by the LDS Church. The conflict also contributed to the broader tensions leading up to the American Civil War.

Related Pages

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Brigham Young
• James Buchanan
• Mountain Meadows Massacre
• American Civil War
• Polygamy