Stowell, William Rufus Rogers, 1822-1901

The Utah War, 1857-1858, was a costly and unnecessary confrontation between the Mormon people in Utah Territory and the government and army of the United States. When President James Buchanan took office, he moved quickly to find a non-Mormon governor for Utah Territory. Misunderstandings and rumors that the Mormons would resist the replacement of Governor Brigham Young influenced President Buchanan, without investigation, to cancel the contract for mail service to Utah and to send a 2,500-man military force, led by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, to accompany Governor Alfred Cumming to Salt Lake City. Governor Young and other Mormon leaders interpreted the coming of the army as religious persecution and immediately martial law was declared and the local militia, the Nauvoo Legion, was deployed to delay the troops. No actual fighting ensued; however, the Mormons harassed the army which included burning three supply trains and driving hundreds of government cattle to the Great Salt Lake Valley. Furthermore, Echo Canyon, the only feasible entry into Salt Lake City from the east, was blocked off which frustrated the army from entering Salt Lake City. The war lasted for several months and ended when Thomas L. Kane and Governor Cumming came to Salt Lake City in early April to speak with Governor Young. Governor Young immediately surrendered the gubernatorial title and soon established a comfortable working relationship with.

His successor. An amnesty was sent from President Buchanon and arrived in early June 1858. All prisoners were released at the time and all past offenses were forgiven in exchange for accepting Governor Cumming and the establishment of an army garrison in the territory. The war ended at this time.

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