The Preacher Massacre: The Harrowing Ordeal of the First Mountain Men

The Preacher Massacre, also known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, was a tragic event that occurred in September 1857 in Utah Territory. A company of Arkansas emigrants traveling west was attacked and killed by a group of Mormon settlers and Native American allies, leaving only 17 children alive. This horrific incident has been etched into the annals of American history as a grim reminder of the violence and intolerance that marred the nation's westward expansion.

Preacher's Massacre (The First Mountain Man Book 19)

by William W. Johnstone

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	412 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Emigrants

The victims of the Preacher Massacre were a group of over 140 emigrants from Arkansas who had set out for California in the spring of 1857. The company was led by a Baptist preacher named John D. Lee, who had a reputation for being a fiery and outspoken advocate of the Mormon faith.

The emigrants were a diverse group of individuals who had come together with the common goal of seeking a better life in the West. They included farmers, merchants, laborers, and families with young children. Among them were several prominent citizens of Arkansas, including Captain Alexander Fancher, a former state senator, and Richard Harrison, a wealthy planter.

The Journey West

The emigrants' journey began in May 1857 when they set out from Fayetteville, Arkansas. They traveled in a wagon train of about 60 wagons, accompanied by a herd of cattle and other livestock. The journey was long and arduous, and the emigrants faced many challenges along the way. They had to contend with rough terrain, extreme weather, and hostile Native American tribes.

As the emigrants made their way west, tensions began to rise between them and the Mormons who had settled in Utah Territory. The Mormons were suspicious of the emigrants' motives and feared that they might be part of a larger effort to challenge their authority in the region.

The Arrival in Utah Territory

In early September 1857, the emigrants entered Utah Territory. They were met with a hostile reception from the Mormon settlers, who refused to sell them supplies or allow them to camp near their settlements. The emigrants were forced to travel on, and they eventually reached Mountain Meadows, a remote valley located about 300 miles south of Salt Lake City.

The Attack

On September 11, 1857, the emigrants were camped at Mountain Meadows when they were attacked by a group of Mormon settlers and Native American allies. The attackers opened fire on the emigrants from the surrounding hills, and they quickly overwhelmed them.

The emigrants fought bravely, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. Many of them were killed outright, while others were wounded or captured. The attackers then looted the emigrants' wagons and burned their belongings.

The Children

Seventeen children survived the attack. They were taken captive by the attackers and held for several months. Eventually, they were released and returned to their families in Arkansas.

The Aftermath

The Preacher Massacre shocked the nation and sparked outrage throughout the United States. The federal government sent an army to Utah Territory to investigate the incident and punish those responsible.

Several Mormon leaders were arrested and charged with murder, but they were ultimately acquitted. The massacre remained unresolved for many years, and it was not until 1879 that John D. Lee was convicted and executed for his role in the attack.

Legacy

The Preacher Massacre is a haunting reminder of the violence and intolerance that marred the westward expansion of the United States. It is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as the survivors of the massacre went on to build new lives for themselves and their families.

The massacre has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries. It has also been commemorated with a monument at Mountain Meadows National Historic Landmark.

The Preacher Massacre was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of over 120 innocent people. It is a reminder of the dangers that pioneers faced as they traveled west in search of a better life. It is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as the survivors of the massacre went on to build new lives for themselves and their families.

Preacher's Massacre (The First Mountain Man Book 19)

by William W. Johnstone

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	412 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE