Near Farson in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Utah War
A Legacy of Distrust
In 1857, the Buchanan Administration faced a series of national challenges. Civil war loomed on the horizon, the New York stock market was in trouble, Federal troops were sent to quash unrest in Kansas and Washington D.C.
Mutual mistrust, suspicion, and poor communications between Washington and Salt Lake City had been festering for a decade. The perception in Washington was that church leader / Territorial Governor Brigham Young was challenging Federal authority in the territory.
President Buchanan decided to replace Young as Governor. Thinking his decision might meet with resistance, Buchanan dispatched 2,500 troops to Utah. They left Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in July marching 1,000 miles along the Oregon Trail. The commander, Brevet General Albert Sidney Johnston, did not reach the army until near Fort Bridger. In Utah, the territory was mobilized to resist "invasion." Plans were made for a "scorched earth" defense.
A brief brush with Utah militiamen convinced acting commander Colonel F.B. Alexander to improve preparedness. The army and its supply trains were strung out along the trail for over 50 miles. Many supply trains had no military escort and were ordered to wait for soldiers before proceeding. For three such wagon trains, their escorts would arrive too late.
Erected by Bureau of Land Management.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #15 James Buchanan series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 42° 1.08′ N, 109° 35.467′ 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. Simpson's Hollow (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Simpson's Hollow (a few steps from 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.
More about this marker. Sign donated by Farson 4-H club and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Rock Springs, Wyoming Stake.
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 June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 617 times since then and 10 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.