James Fennemore's photographs of John Doyle Lee

Abstract

Abstract One of the most lamentable events in the westward expansion of whites across the Mississippi River into the far west was the so-called Mountain Meadows Massacre (1857) in southwestern Utah. A Missouri team, one of many, passing through Salt Lake City had incensed the Mormons with their past and present violent behaviour. An ill wind blew as the wagon train left Salt Lake City, travelling southwest on the southern route to California. The trail led through Ute Indian territory. The Indians, feeling the pressure of hunger, begged for food. The members of the train first rebuffed them and then, having second thoughts, fed them poisoned beef. After several deaths, the Utes allied themselves with the local Mormon militia and sought to avenge themselves. A few nights later, the wagon train was attacked by Indians and, under a ruse, the militia disarmed both parties, only to massacre 120 of the group (leaving just 17 children under ten years of age alive). John Doyle Lee, one of the whites involved, was...