John J Hammond

Establishing Mormon Zion in the West, 1846-1859 John J Hammond

In sub-zero temperatures the Mormons begin the exodus from Nauvoo in February 1846 and have to winter in settlements in Iowa and along the Missouri River. The next spring several Mormon companies reach Utah and established Salt Lake City. Brigham Young establishes settlements in the Great Basin and becomes the Governor of a State of Deseret and then Utah Territory. Since he wants to rule his Kingdom of God without federal government interference, this brought him into conflict with federal territorial appointees. President James Buchanan sends a non-Mormon governor-Alfred Cumming--and a large U. S. army force in 1857 to impose its will on the Territory. In response, Young declares independence for his Kingdom of God, burns U. S. Army supply trains, and forces the Army to winter in Wyoming. Arkansas immigrants on their way to California are massacred by Mormon militiamen and their Indian allies. In the spring of 1858. Young decides to capitulate and allow the U. S. Army and the new governor to enter the Salt Lake Valley.