University in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Answering the Call

One of the Longest Infantry Marches in US History

Photographed by Connor Olson, April 17, 2021

1. Answering the Call Marker

Inscription. In 1846, camped mainly on the shores of the Missouri River, Mormons were already exiled from the United States, bound for a refuge in the west. Then, a call to arms came from the US Government to serve in the Mexican War. US President James K. Polk needed 500 enlisters. The call was politely received, but with suspicion and resentment, recalling earlier rebuffs when seeking redress for persecution in Missouri.
Brigham Young saw an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to the United States and secure monies from the government. On July 15, gathering at present day Council Bluffs, Iowa 513 soldiers left with 33 women and 42 children for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. On August 12, upon being outfitted, they continued a 2,030-mile March to the California coast with intense suffering from lack of adequate food, water and raiment, they constructed the first wagon road from Sante Fe to the Pacific Ocean and opened the entire southwest for settlement.
Having endured their march for over six months, they reached mission San Diego on January 29, 1847.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers

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• War, Mexican-American. A significant historical date for this entry is July 15, 1846.

Location. 40° 45.136′ N, 111° 49.165′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in University. It is on East Sunnyside Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City UT 84108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front

and in Greater Salt Lake.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Duty Calls (here, next to this marker); Duty Triumphs (here, next to this marker); With Toil and Courage, Until We Meet Again (a few steps from this marker); Learn About The Pony Express (a few steps from this marker); In Ten Days or Less... (a few steps from this marker); Faith as a Gale Wind Going West

Photographed by Connor Olson, April 17, 2021

2. Answering the Call Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); A Moment in Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Unsung Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.