A Territory in Turmoil

Proposed State of Deseret

• State called Deseret.• Wrote a constitution and petition – sent it to Washington D.C. to apply for statehood.

• They were turned down.

THOUGHTS - DISCUSSION

1. Why do you think Congress did not accept the boundaries of the proposed state of Desert?

2. Can you see the place where the state would have touched the pacific ocean?

3. What advantages would there have been to include seaport city in Utah’s boundaries?

4. Which present-day states would have been part of Utah if the proposed boundaries had it been accepted?

Utah Becomes a Territory

• Mexican-American War, – the United States

gained the western lands from Mexico.

• Compromise of 1850– Split newly acquired

land into California, & 2 territories—Utah and New Mexico.

– Henry Clay - Kentucky

Utah Becomes a Territory - Discussion

• The Utah Legislative voted to make slavery legal.– Why do you think

slavery was never widely practiced in Utah if it was legal?

The Utah War 1857-58

• Officials were sent to Utah.

• Bitter feeling toward the Mormons.

• Judge William Drummond

President Buchanan Prepares for War

• 1857, complaints from officials led president, James Buchanan, to take action against the leaders of the Utah Territory.

• Organized an army – stop possible rebellion

against gov.

Utah Territory Prepares for War• Rumors of approaching army • July of 1857.

•Destroy the religious community.•The militia went from 200 volunteers to 5,000.•Captain Lot Smith • harass the federal soldiers.

Johnston’s Army Stopped by Winter Snows

• U.S. Army reached Fort Bridger, – fort burned – all the supplies were taken.

• Snowstorms• Waited until Spring.

Discussion

•What would you do if you knew soldiers were coming to destroy your home and community?

The Move South

• Brigham Young ordered the northern communities to be abandoned.

• Thousands of people moved south to Provo and other towns.

Mountain Meadows Massacre

During the Utah War…

• During the Utah War, people were still traveling to California

• Fancher Party– from Arkansas in 1857

Fancher Party and Massacre

• Did not like LDS Pioneers– Said unkind things

• Indians were on good terms with Mormons– Attacked Fancher party

• Mormons Send runner to ask Young– Did not wait for reply

• Some Mormons attack Fancher Party– Killing all but small children