Mormon Battalion
National Monument
The
Mormon Battalion
The 2,100 mile march of the Mormon Battalion from Iowa to Southern California is one of the epic trail-blazing journeys that helped build the early United States into the transcontinental country it is today.Â
It is also a story of volunteerism for church, country and family.Â
The 496 men of The Church of Latter-day Saints were recruited to serve in the U.S. Army during the War with Mexico. The Battalion’s march from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Southern California was described by their commanding officer Lt. Colonel Philip St. George Cooke as ”of great value to our country” adding, “history may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry.” The Mormon Battalion included three Battalion Commanders and staff, along with the other groups including officer servants, women and children, guides, contracted personnel, and sutlers.Â
The Mormon Battalion established the first wagon route to the Pacific Coast, linking the East with Southern California. The Battalion cultivated peaceful relations with the Native tribes and Mexicans they interacted with during the march. Parts of their wagon road were later followed by the Army, Gold Rush Argonauts, the Butterfield overland Stage, the Southern Pacific Railroad, and Interstate 8. Their route also helped justify the 1853 Gadsden Purchase from Mexico, comprising an almost 30,000 square mile area in present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico. Â
Discharged veterans were present for the gold discovery at Sutter’s Mill, established other important overland routes, made improvements to California settlements, and observed irrigation techniques that influenced Latter-day Saint settlements in the West.Â
Today’s visitors can follow major portions of the Mormon Battalion Trail by traveling on federal, state and county highways. Along the way visitors will discover inspiring history and friendly hospitality from the great places on the Mormon Battalion Trail!
M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Mormon Battalion Monument August 21, 2010. The monument pays tribute to the 500 Mormons who enlisted in 1846 as U.A. Army soldiers in the War with Mexico. Two heroic-size sculptures “Duty Calls” and “Duty Triumphs” by Steven L. Neal of Pendleton, Oregon honor one of the longest infantry marches in U.S. history.
This Is The Place Heritage Park includes the inspiring Duty Triumphs statue and monument to the Mormon Battalion. The Park is also home to the National Pony Express monument located along the entrance to the Park, as well as the Mormon Battalion Museum located on the lower level of the Gift Shop. The Museum and Gift Shop are open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5:30PM daily. Admission is FREE. Call us for more information on Winter Hours at 801.582.1847 or visit https://mormonbattalion.com/Â
