Church History Matters: Episode 092 – What Happened at Mountain Meadows?

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Scripture Central (Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths)

Introduction

In Episode 092 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve into one of the most tragic and complex events in Latter-day Saint history: the Mountain Meadows Massacre. This episode, titled "What Happened at Mountain Meadows?", is the first part of a two-part series focusing on peace and violence within the Church’s past.

Setting the Stage: The Utah War and Rising Tensions

Scott Woodward opens the episode by outlining the grim reality of the Massacre, which occurred on September 11, 1857. Approximately 120 members of the Fancher Baker wagon train from Arkansas were brutally slaughtered by a group of Latter-day Saints and some Paiute Native Americans amid the tense backdrop of the Utah War. The Utah War itself was a period of heightened anxiety as U.S. federal troops marched toward Utah with ambiguous intentions, sparking fears of potential conflict among the Saints who had previously faced government-sanctioned violence (00:06).

Casey Griffiths adds context by comparing the Massacre date to September 11, 2001, highlighting the enduring trauma associated with that day in both American and Latter-day Saint histories (02:20).

Recent Scholarship and Methodology

The hosts emphasize the importance of recent historical scholarship in understanding the Massacre. They reference the seminal work "Massacre at Mountain Meadows" by Richard Turley, Glenn Leonard, and Ron Walker, published in 2008 with full cooperation from the Church (05:10). Casey notes that these historians had unprecedented access to church records, allowing for a comprehensive examination of primary sources, including court transcripts and original documents available on mountainmeadowsmaster.com.

They also mention a follow-up book, "Vengeance is Mine," co-authored by Rick Turley and Barbara Jones Brown, which explores the aftermath of the Massacre, including the pursuit of justice and the enduring questions surrounding accountability (07:37).

The Fancher Baker Wagon Train and Rising Hostilities

The discussion shifts to the Fancher Baker wagon train, which arrived in the Salt Lake Valley during a peak in Utah War tensions. As the train journeyed southward through Utah, several incidents heightened animosity between the emigrants and local Latter-day Saints:

1. Economic Strain: Emergency restrictions on the sale of goods to westward immigrants fostered resentment (14:02).
2. Alleged Poisoning Incident: An accusation that the Fancher party poisoned a cow, leading to a Native American’s death near Corn Creek. Recent research suggests an anthrax outbreak, disputing claims of deliberate sabotage (15:26).

These events exacerbated suspicions and fear, especially when some immigrants made threatening remarks about past persecutions of Mormons, such as the murder of Joseph Smith (16:17).

Planning the Massacre: Key Figures and Decisions

Key individuals involved in orchestrating the Massacre include Isaac Haight, William Dame, and John D. Lee. Haight, the mayor of Cedar City and head of the local militia, initially sought to address the tensions through peaceful means by sending James Haslam to consult with Brigham Young in Salt Lake City (21:09).

However, internal council dynamics and personal agendas led to a breakdown in decision-making. During what is known as the Tanbark Council, Haight persuades Dame that the immigrants may pose a threat, prompting Dame to authorize the militia to “finish” the wagon train to prevent further reprisals (27:46).

John D. Lee, a central figure in the Massacre, orchestrates the attack in collaboration with Paiute tribes, leading to the brutal execution of the Fancher party (25:26).

The Massacre Unfolds

On Friday, September 11, 1857, the meticulously planned attack was executed:

• Deception and Trust: Lee approached the wagon train under a flag of truce, convincing the immigrants to disarm in exchange for protection (30:40).
• Execution: As the men were escorted away, a pre-arranged signal led to the immediate killing of the men by the militia and Paiutes. Women and children were subsequently slaughtered, with only 17 young children spared due to their inability to testify (31:17).

This heinous act was driven by a combination of fear, paranoia, and misguided attempts at self-preservation amidst the looming threat of federal intervention (32:42).

Historians’ Perspectives: Who Was Responsible?

The episode explores differing historical interpretations regarding responsibility for the Massacre:

• Juanita Brooks: Argues that while Brigham Young did not directly order the Massacre, his apocalyptic rhetoric contributed to the environment of hysteria that made such violence possible (34:13).
• Will Bagley: Takes a more accusatory stance, suggesting that Brigham Young was complicit based on his control over the Utah territory and indirect influence on local leaders (35:15).
• Turley, Leonard, and Walker: Their research concludes that local leaders like Haight and Lee were primarily responsible, distancing Brigham Young from direct involvement. They highlight inconsistencies in Lee’s later memoir and court testimonies that undermine claims of Brigham Young’s direct orders (35:36).

Casey Griffiths emphasizes that while some historians have attempted to pin broader responsibility on Brigham Young, the preponderance of evidence supports the view that local decisions, fraught with fear and misinformation, were the primary catalysts for the Massacre (37:09).

Brigham Young’s Response and Official Church Acknowledgment

Brigham Young responded to the Massacre by immediately halting policies that encouraged Native American harassment of wagon trains and emphasizing peaceful interactions (45:13). A letter from Young dated after the Massacre urges calm and preserving good relations, which historians interpret as a clear rejection of any earlier aggressive stance (46:35).

In 2007, on the 150th anniversary of the event, Church leader Henry B. Eyring publicly acknowledged the atrocity:

“The responsibility for the massacre lies with local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the regions near Mountain Meadows… The gospel of Jesus Christ that we espouse abhors the cold-blooded killing of men, women, and children. Indeed, it advocates peace and forgiveness”
(52:50)

Eyring reiterated that the Massacre was a profound deviation from Christian teachings and expressed remorse for the suffering caused.

Legacy and Lessons Learned

The Mountain Meadows Massacre remains a dark chapter in Church history, continually impacting perceptions of Latter-day Saints and serving as a poignant reminder of the consequences of fear and divisive rhetoric. The episode underscores the importance of transparency and honest historical inquiry, highlighting scholars like Juanita Brooks and the Turley-Leward team who have worked to uncover and acknowledge the truth.

Casey Griffiths reflects on the personal and communal trauma stemming from the Massacre, noting its lasting effects on descendants and the community’s collective memory (54:36). The hosts advocate for understanding this history to prevent the recurrence of such violence, emphasizing the need for adherence to principles of peace and forgiveness as taught by the Gospel (56:24).

Conclusion

Episode 092 of Church History Matters provides a comprehensive exploration of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, focusing on the events leading up to the tragedy and the complex interplay of fear, leadership, and misguided actions. By examining recent scholarship and differing historical perspectives, Scott and Casey offer listeners a nuanced understanding of this pivotal event, urging a commitment to peace and reflective awareness of history’s lessons.

In the upcoming part two of the series, the hosts promise to delve into the aftermath of the Massacre, including Brigham Young's reactions, the pursuit of justice, and the long-term ramifications for those involved.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "The Mountain Meadows Massacre, easily the darkest and most violent episode in our church's history…” – Scott Woodward (00:06)

• “The responsibility for the massacre lies with local leaders of the Church… The gospel of Jesus Christ that we espouse abhors the cold-blooded killing of men, women and children.” – Henry B. Eyring (52:50)

• “We need to know this history so that we never repeat it.” – Casey Griffiths (56:28)

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:

  • Massacre at Mountain Meadows by Richard Turley, Glenn Leonard, and Ron Walker
  • Vengeance is Mine by Richard Turley and Barbara Jones Brown
  • Blood of the Prophets by Will Bagley

• Websites:

  • mountainmeadowsmaster.com
  • Mormoner (associated with the B.H. Roberts Foundation)

Support and Further Listening:

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this tragic event, listeners are encouraged to explore the recommended books and online resources. The Church History Matters podcast continues to unpack significant events in Church history, aiming to educate and inform through meticulous research and respectful dialogue.

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 092 of Church History Matters. To stay updated on future episodes and delve deeper into church history, subscribe to the podcast through your preferred platform.