Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds
Aug 2006
1. Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds Marker
One of the most remarkable infantry marches in American history began here in July 1846 with the mustering of the Mormon Battalion. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) responded to the request from President James K. Polk to serve the United States in the war with Mexico. The 500 volunteers were among thousands of Mormons who had left Nauvoo, Illinois that year and were moving west in search of a new home. The Battalion demonstrated the patriotism of the Mormons and also enabled them to earn money for their westward trek.
Accompanied by a number of wives and children who served as laundresses and aids, the Battalion marched south to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to be equipped, then on through Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona to the Pacific Coast -- more than 2,000 miles in six months. Although not required to engage in combat, the Mormon Battalion made an important contribution in opening new roads to California and the Pacific coast. Their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke, said of their achievement, "History may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry."
Erected 1986
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Battalion series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1846.
Location. 41° 13.535′ N, 95° 49.37′ W. Marker is in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in Pottawattamie County. It can be reached from U.S. Highway 275 (U.S. 275) 0.1 miles Iowa Highway 92 (State Highway 92). These two markers, for the Grand Encampment and the Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds, are on the campus of the Iowa School for the Deaf, 1600 S. Hwy 275, just north of the main west entrance, southeast of where Iowa Highway 92 crosses U.S. Highway 275. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 South Highway 275, Council Bluffs IA 51503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Iowa, in Loess Hills, and in Greater Omaha. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by Syd Whittle
2. The Mormon Battalion Monument
Located in San Diego, California at the end of the trek Westward.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Grand Encampment (here, next to this marker); "Freedom With Honor" (approx. 2.1 miles away); Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Depot (approx. 2.1 miles away); The National Humane Alliance Fountain (approx. 2.6 miles away); Grenville M. Dodge (approx. 2.7 miles away); Squirrel Cage Jail (approx. 2.7 miles away); Council Bluffs Free Public Library (approx. 2.7 miles away); Council Bluffs Veterans Plaza (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Council Bluffs.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Historic General Dodge House (was approx. 2.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . . Mormon Battalion. Wikipedia article on the Mormon Battalion. (Submitted on September 20, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2009. This page has been viewed 2,492 times since then and 79 times this year. Last updated on September 23, 2009. Photos: 1. submitted on September 20, 2009. 2. submitted on December 16, 2008. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
