The Utah War 1857-1858

Also called Mormon War. Utah, which was settled by the Mormans (Latter-day Saints) in the mid-1840s, was declared a US territory in 1850, and Brigham Young (1801-77), a Mormon leader was appointed governor. Federal officials complained of Young's dictatorial ways and the power of the church, while others were shocked at the Mormons' practice of polygamy. The Mormans, for their part, did not want non-Mormans in their territory and resented the flow of emigrants across and into their lands. Matters worsened, and in 1857 the US president sent Colonel Albert S. Johnston (1803-62) and a force of 2,500 troops to Utah to install a new non-Morman governor to enforce federal authority. The Danites, a Mormon militia, slowed Johnston's progress across the plains by stampeding horses, destroying wagon trains, and burning grass, while Young called settlers from throughout the territory to come to Salt Lake City to defend the capital. Before a serious confrontation took place, a federal mediator was able to arrange a compromise. The new governor was recognized and allowed to enter Salt Lake City, while the troops camped outside and soon returned East. Although the "rebels" were pardoned by the president, friction between the Mormons and the government continued for another four decades. It was only after the Mormon Church abolished polygamy that Utah was admitted into the Union in 1896.

References

Dictionary of Wars, 511.

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