Did Brigham Young Order the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
The Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event that occurred in September 1857, has long been a subject of controversy and debate. One of the most contentious questions surrounding this tragedy is whether Brigham Young, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) at the time, ordered the massacre. This article aims to explore the historical evidence and perspectives surrounding this issue.
Brigham Young, a key figure in the LDS Church, was known for his strong leadership and influence over the Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley. However, the extent of his involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre remains a topic of debate among historians and scholars. Some argue that Brigham Young played a direct role in ordering the massacre, while others believe that he was not directly involved but still bore responsibility for the events that unfolded.
One of the main pieces of evidence suggesting Brigham Young’s involvement is a letter written by John D. Lee, one of the participants in the massacre, to his brother Erastus. In the letter, Lee claims that he was instructed by Brigham Young to take part in the massacre. However, this letter has been subject to scrutiny, with some historians questioning its authenticity and context.
Another piece of evidence is the diary of Willard Richards, a close associate of Brigham Young. In his diary, Richards mentions a conversation with Young about the possibility of attacking the emigrant party, but he does not explicitly state that Young ordered the massacre. This has led to interpretations that Brigham Young may have had knowledge of the event but did not give the final order.
Opponents of the claim that Brigham Young ordered the massacre argue that there is no concrete evidence linking him to the event. They point to the lack of direct orders from Young and the absence of any known written instructions for the massacre. Furthermore, they argue that the involvement of local Mormon settlers and Paiute Indians in the attack suggests a more complex and localized motivation for the tragedy.
In conclusion, the question of whether Brigham Young ordered the Mountain Meadows Massacre remains a contentious issue. While some evidence suggests his potential involvement, the lack of definitive proof and the complexity of the situation make it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion. The Mountain Meadows Massacre serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that arise when examining historical events and their underlying causes.
Now, let’s take a look at some comments from readers on this topic:
1. “It’s a difficult topic to discuss, but it’s important to uncover the truth.”
2. “I think Brigham Young had to know what was happening, even if he didn’t order it directly.”
3. “The letter from John D. Lee is convincing, but it’s not the only piece of evidence.”
4. “I believe Brigham Young had a hand in it, but I’m not sure if he ordered the massacre himself.”
5. “It’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t have known about it.”
6. “The LDS Church has done a lot to address this issue, but the truth is still out there.”
7. “I think it’s important to focus on the victims and their families rather than the blame game.”
8. “The massacre was a tragic event, and it’s crucial to understand the context.”
9. “I’m still not sure what to believe about Brigham Young’s role in the massacre.”
10. “The evidence is circumstantial, but it’s compelling enough to raise serious questions.”
11. “It’s a complex issue, and I think we need to be open to all perspectives.”
12. “I’m glad this article is addressing the topic, but I wish it had more details.”
13. “I think Brigham Young’s leadership style played a role in the tragedy, even if he didn’t order it.”
14. “The massacre was a dark chapter in LDS Church history, and it’s important to learn from it.”
15. “I’m not sure if Brigham Young ordered the massacre, but I think he should have been held accountable.”
16. “The Mountain Meadows Massacre is a reminder of the dangers of religious zealotry.”
17. “It’s a sad story, and it’s important to remember the victims.”
18. “I think the LDS Church has made progress in addressing the massacre, but there’s still work to be done.”
19. “The debate over Brigham Young’s role in the massacre is a testament to the power of historical research.”
20. “It’s a difficult topic, but it’s crucial to confront the past and learn from it.
