Those killed in the massacre were part of the Fancher-Baker wagon train, which was traveling from Arkansas to California, when they were attacked, purportedly for their possessions and wealth totaling $300,000. Following the attack, the only person held responsible was John D. Lee, leader of a local church militia and adopted son of Mormon leader Brigham Young. Lee was sentenced to death, although some descendents have insisted that Lee never would have carried out such an attack without the knowledge of Young. Church leaders insist no evidence exists linking Young directly to the massacre.

 

Descendants have fought with church leaders for decades over control of the meadows and the gravesites, and they have accused The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of trying to keep the massacre out of the church’s official history. At memorial services marking the 150th anniversary of the attack, a high-ranking Mormon Church official expressed “profound regret” for the events at the meadows. The statement was seen by many as an apology.

 

Mountain Meadows is already on the National Register of Historic Places. Landmark status from the Interior Department would guarantee public access and require public input before construction or development on the site.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Mormon Church Will Push for Landmark Status at Massacre Site (by Jennifer Dobner, Associated Press)

Mountain Meadows Massacre Site (Frank Kirkman)