Historic and route information will be available for a fee. Anyone who is interested in doing the entire trek needs to contact Henson directly, as soon as possible. For more in-depth information, we suggest using the online and mobile Interactive Maps detailed in … Mormon Battalion-era campers. Mormon recruits were mustered on Thursday, July 16, 1846. The trek will begin on July 4, 2008, and is scheduled to end on Feb. 21, 2009. Contact the Park. Mormon recruits were mustered on Thursday, July 16, 1846. The battalion was a volunteer unit of between 534 and 559 Latter-day Saints men led by Mormon company officers, commanded by regular U.S. Army officers. There will be a fee involved for participants ranging from $15 per day for day-trekkers to $50 per day for Cooke’s Cadre, and online reservations are required. The battalion was a volunteer unit of between 534 and 559 Latter-day Saint men, led by Mormon company officers commanded by regular U. The trail map showing the route of the Mormon Battalion. Indeed, the service of 500 Latter-day Saint men and women in the Mormon Battalion in 1846-47 was the salvation of the Church. After a year of service, the Battalion was disbanded at Los Angeles. Hmmmm! See more ideas about mormon battalion, mormon, battalion. See Fleek, History May Be Searched in Vain: A Military History of the Mormon Battalion (Spokane: Arthur H. Clark Company, 2006), 324–27. I serve on the multi-stake historical affairs committee, which is a branch of church public affairs. The Mormon Battalion March, 1846-47 By Stanley B. Kimball (July 1979 Ensign) (Route maps located at bottom) What has been called the longest infantry march in history—approximately 1,850 miles—began 20 July 1846 on the Little Pony River in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 2. Review of History May Be Searched in Vain: A Military History of the Mormon Battalion, by Sherman L. Fleek. In the 1950s, the Mormons re-established a Mormon Battalion with the goal of erecting monuments along the entire march route to honor the original Battalion. At the time they enlisted, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were seeking U.S. government aid for their migration west to the Rocky Mountains and Salt Lake Valley, despite having their previous petitions for redress of grievances denied. Thankfully, I don’t have to pore over every journal and drive backroads with a GPS to collect the data. The Mormon Battalion exhibit is an informational experience detailing the journey of the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints who were recruited to march to battle in the war between the United States and Mexico. Last updated: January 8, 2021. I am certainly not the family history consultant extraordinaire for the family, but I did recall that I had an ancestor who was a member of the Mormon Battalion. Our living history re-enactors will dress and live like original Battalion members telling their story as we move from one campsite to the next. When I was in San Diego two years ago (it was my first time), I made a point to go to the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site. In the process of creating that map, I prayed that it would be something that would honor the Battalion and their sacrifices. The new road became a route to California and the Butterfield Stage was operated on the road twice weekly from 1858 to 1861. They arrived after marching almost 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) 1 under the direction of the United States Army. Within the trekkers there will be a special group of reenactors known as Cooke’s Cadre. To honor his memory, Henson decided to have a number of trekkers be more immersed in the experience, if they so choose. The first, Samuel Boly, expired only twenty-eight miles from Council Bluffs. Prior to their departure, Brigham Young had told them, “The Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation … As the Lord lives … you will never be forgotten … but you will be had in honorable remembrance forever and ever.”. These newcomers, dressed in ragged clothes, were members of the Mormon Battalion. Jul 31, 2016 - Picturing history: Mormon Battalion route in California. It invites you to stop with them along the way and gather details through the narratives. [ Map of Mormon Battalion Route] The Mormon Battalion, composed of 500 men mustered into the service of the United States in the war with Mexico was called to the colors as the Mormon pioneers were beginning their historic trek to the Rocky Mountains at the conclusion of the 2,000 mile march from Council Bluffs Iowa to San Diego California. I truly hope that is the result for you. The Mormon Battalion, the only religiously based unit in United States military history, served from July 1846 to July 1847 during the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848. Monday and Tuesday, July 20–21, 1846, the Mormon Battalion … “We are excited to be joined in this trek by people who want to pay tribute to the original Battalion members. On March 20, 1847, the Mormon Battalion stopped at the Mission San Juan Capistrano en route to El Pueblo de Los Angeles to secure California for the United States. If you can’t make it, there is another way. Why Did Moroni Quote Malachi about Elijah’s Coming? The Mexicans retreated as the US battalion approached. BYU Studies 47:2 (2008):161-165. Route hand drawn with purple felt pen on base map Base map: U.S. Geological Survey "Western United States 1:250,000" topographic series Description based on print version record 1 cat-rda DigitalMapProject Georeferenced (world file) : WGS84 Decimal Degrees Scanned USGS Western United States 1:250,000 … Mormon Battalion Trail is one of the Historic Trails of America. David Glassett creates his maps through Peaceful Valley Maps (www.pvmaps.com). After his discharge, he traveled to Salt Lake (another 1,000 miles), arriving only a few months after the first Saints arrived. “Our trek isn’t intended to be a completely accurate reproduction of the Mormon Battalion’s 1846 trek, Henson said. Prior to the march, east-west travel across the southern territories of New Mexico, Arizona, and California was not suitable for wagon traffic. We are thankful to them all - related or not - for their examples and faith. The first part of this trail hugged the river bluffs. To order maps and brochures, please contact us. The Mormon Battalion, the only religion-based unit in United States military history, served from July 1846 – July 1847 during the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848. Kevin Henson’s patrol of 11-year-old Boy Scouts, shown here in the “River of Time” reenactment. This volunteer unit of about 550 Latter-day Saint men was commanded by regular U.S. Army officers. The advanced training had to be learned between Nauvoo and Winter Quarters. Most participants will need to supply their own food, water, transportation, and tent or camper. We hope to represent them in honorable remembrance. But now he and other devotees of early Mormon history are preparing to undertake an even more ambitious “living history” event – a complete reenactment of the 1846-1847 march of the Mormon Battalion. They met the leading families of the area and camped at the rancho of Don Juan Avila. Sixty miles of that famous route passed through the Panhandle. It’s been neat to use the bookmark to share the story of the Battalion with others. The march also opened a southern wagon route to California, and veterans of the battalion played significant roles in the westward expansion of California, Utah, Arizona, and other parts of the West. ... Auto Tour Route Driving Directions and Maps. Jul 22, 2014 - Mormon Battalion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia He was not a Latter-day Saint, but many credit Cooke’s leadership with the fact that the lives of Battalion members were preserved in their difficult march across the desert. The Mormon Battalion was formed in 1846, when President James K. Polk requested the Mormons raise a battalion of 500 men to march to California as part of the Army of the West in the impending war with Mexico. Monday and Tuesday, July 20–21, 1846, the Mormon Battalion left Council Bluffs. For example, including a color terrain depiction as part of the map really helped me feel the heat and rugged terrain over which they marched. The battalion reached San Diego on January 29, 1847 where they were commended by their commanding officer Colonel Cooke for completing the longest infantry march in history. After the page-size map was completed, I made a bookmark version. I wanted a map that would help others get to know and appreciate who those soldiers were, what they did, and how hard it was. The Bay County Historical Society hosts an annual event along the Saginaw River called “The River of Time.” Reenactors from all time periods are invited – from archaic Indians, French voyageurs, Revolutionary War, Civil War, all the way up to the Gulf War. Click Here To 'Like' Meridian Magazine on Facebook, How social media fuels attacks on sacred spaces, Latter-day Saint Fiction: A Step Into Another Time, Elect Ladies: Why Moms Might Not Be Elected, Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families: Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21, Photo Essay: Come with Young Joseph into the Sacred Grove, https://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/07/marching-with-the-battalion?lang=eng, Five Secrets the Book of Mormon Reveals about the Rise and Fall of Nations. The Jewish Gathering to Palestine, VIDEO: Accomplishing Your Righteous Goals One Small Step at a Time, Latest temple updates: 4 Pacific Area temples moving soon to Phase 3; 2 Chile temples paused, When as a Mission President, I Couldn’t Feel the Spirit. On January 25, 1847 The Mormon Battalion ... Coach route, and the route for the Southern Pacific Railroad. By hiking about 14½ miles a Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke was the Mormon Battalion commander from Santa Fe to California. Complete information about the Mormon Battalion Trek, including reservation forms, lists of needed supplies and equipment and costume suggestions, can be found on the web site, www.battaliontrek.com. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple Location Announced, Temple in Tooele Relocated and Renamed, President Joseph F. Smith on Finding Peace in Perilous Times, Has Orson Hyde’s Prayer Been Fulfilled? Headquarters Co. of the Mormon Battalion The battalion marched from Council Bluffs on 20 July 1846, arriving on 1 August 1846 at Fort Leavenworth (Kansas), where they were outfitted for their trek to Santa Fe. At its completion, Col. Cooke declared “we have discovered and … This volunteer unit of about 550 Latter-day Saint men was commanded by regular U.S. Army officers. Marker is on West Frontage Road (U.S. 85), on the left when traveling north. Going on to Salt Lake, Ezra and two others were scouting the trail, when all 3 were killed. When approximately 330 people trudged into town on January 29, 1847, the locals certainly noticed. Cope, New Era, Jul 2009, https://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/07/marching-with-the-battalion?lang=eng. All soldiers, whether en route to the Salt Lake Valley via Pueblo or still in Los Angeles, were mustered out of the United States Army on 16 July 1847. “I decided to do it as a personal goal. of the battalion played significant roles in America's westward expansion in California, Utah, Arizona and other parts of the West. The Battalion blazed the trail from the Rio Grande River to the Pacific Ocean. In order to accomplish this endeavor, a charitable corporation was organized. ... Illinois and later presented by Brigham young to the Mormon Battalion for their march to fight in the war with Mexico. ), but apparently the Church history department has revised their sources and dates and figures. 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