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 • 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

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County. It is in University. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Learn About The Pony Express (a few steps from this marker); In Ten Days or Less... (a few steps from this marker); A Moment in Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Unsung Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); Pony Express Goes to the Olympics (within shouting distance of this marker); Sesquicentennial Mormon Trail Wagontrain (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); This is the Place Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Spanish Explorers (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

Photographed By Connor Olson, April 17, 2021

2. Answering the Call Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.