Near Farson in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Simpson's Hollow
One of only three significant engagements of the Utah War, the incident at Simpson's Hollow played a key role in the conflict. The Utah War (1857-1858) was the result of a lack of communication between the U.S. Government and the Utah Territory concerning Brigham Young's power as governor of Utah and as head of the Church of Latter Day Saints. To resolve this conflict of interest, President Buchanan appointed a new governor, Alfred Cumming. However, fearing Utah's citizens would not calmly accept the replacement of Young, Buchanan canceled mail service to Utah and sent out a military force of 2,500 men to safely escort Cumming to Salt Lake City. Captain Lew Simpson, for which the site is named, and his troops, were part of this military force sent to Utah on the Oregon Trail.
Upon notification of the approaching troops, Young and other Mormon leaders assumed, because they had not been notified of the administrative changes, that the army's intent was religious persecution. Young deployed the Utah Militia, also known as the Nauvoo Legion, to slow the U.S. troops.
In October 1857, a wagon train under the command of Captain Simpson was surrounded by the Utah Militia and forced to surrender its wagons. The Militia, led by Lot Smith, released the livestock and burned all but one supply wagon, resulting in damages estimated at over $85,000. In addition to the incident at Simpson's Hollow, the Militia burned two other wagon trains, forcing the entire army to winter near the recently burned Fort Bridger.
In the spring, Thomas L. Kane, long-time friend of the Mormons, negotiated a settlement that allowed U.S. troops to peacefully enter Salt Lake City. Young stepped down from his position and created a diplomatic relationship with Governor Cumming.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1857.
Location. 42° 1.072′ N, 109° 35.472′ W. Marker is near Farson, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. Marker is on State Highway 28, 9 miles west of U.S. 191, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Farson WY 82932, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Utah War (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Simpson's Hollow (within shouting distance of this marker); Burning Wagons (within shouting distance of this marker); First Transcontinental Telegraph (approx. 2.1 miles away); Emigrant/Indian Relations (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pilot Butte & "Graves" of the Unknown Emigrants (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pilot Butte (approx. 2.1 miles away); Continuing the Journey West (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farson.
Also see . . . Utah War: U.S. Government Versus Mormon Settlers. Article from Wild West Magazine (Submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 904 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.