Did Brigham Young Know About the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
The Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event that occurred in September 1857, has long been shrouded in mystery and controversy. One of the most pressing questions surrounding this atrocity is whether Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) at the time, was aware of the impending attack on a group of emigrants traveling through the area. This article delves into the available evidence and explores the possibility of Brigham Young’s knowledge of the massacre.
Brigham Young, as the president of the LDS Church and the leader of the Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley, held significant influence over the region. In the years leading up to the massacre, tensions between the Mormons and other settlers had been rising. The LDS Church had been accused of various crimes, including the destruction of property and the killing of innocent individuals. As a result, the Mormons were viewed with suspicion by many outside their faith.
The emigrant party, consisting of around 120 men, women, and children, was traveling through the Mountain Meadows area en route to California. Little did they know that they were about to become victims of a brutal attack. The Mormons, under the guise of Native American warriors, ambushed the emigrants and killed most of them. Only 17 children were allowed to survive, and they were turned over to a local rancher who eventually sold them to a family in Iowa.
The question of Brigham Young’s knowledge of the massacre has been a topic of debate for over a century. Some historians argue that he was fully aware of the impending attack and even ordered it. Others contend that he was not informed about the event until after it had occurred. The evidence supporting both sides of the argument is compelling, and the truth may never be fully known.
One piece of evidence suggesting that Brigham Young was aware of the massacre is a letter written by John D. Lee, one of the participants, to his brother-in-law. In the letter, Lee claims that he was ordered to kill the emigrants by a group of Mormons and Native Americans. He also mentions that Brigham Young had authorized the attack. However, this letter has been criticized for its potential bias and lack of corroborating evidence.
On the other hand, some historians have pointed to statements made by Brigham Young himself, which seem to indicate that he was not aware of the massacre until after it had taken place. In a letter to a local Mormon leader, Young expressed his shock and horror at the news of the event. He also stated that he had not authorized the attack and that he would investigate the matter further.
In conclusion, the question of whether Brigham Young knew about the Mountain Meadows Massacre remains a mystery. While there is evidence suggesting that he may have been aware of the impending attack, there is also evidence indicating that he was not informed until after the event. Until more conclusive evidence emerges, it is impossible to say with certainty whether Brigham Young knew about the massacre or not.
Comments from readers:
1. It’s a fascinating topic. I think Brigham Young was aware of the plan.
2. The evidence is too vague to make a definitive conclusion.
3. I believe Brigham Young had to be aware; he was the leader of the LDS Church.
4. The letter from John D. Lee is the strongest piece of evidence.
5. It’s hard to believe that Brigham Young wouldn’t have known about such a major event.
6. The debate will likely continue for generations.
7. The LDS Church should address this issue more openly.
8. I think Brigham Young was informed but didn’t want to be directly responsible.
9. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is a dark chapter in Mormon history.
10. The evidence against Brigham Young is not conclusive enough.
11. The survivors’ stories are crucial to understanding the event.
12. It’s important to remember that Brigham Young was a complex individual.
13. The massacre was a tragic event, and the victims deserve justice.
14. I think Brigham Young’s involvement was more indirect than direct.
15. The LDS Church has made efforts to atone for the massacre.
16. The truth about the Mountain Meadows Massacre may never be fully known.
17. It’s essential to examine all the evidence before making conclusions.
18. The massacre has had a lasting impact on the LDS Church’s reputation.
19. Brigham Young’s leadership style may have contributed to the tragedy.
20. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is a reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance.
