Mormon Grove
The City that Disappeared
Near here, located in a grove of young hickory trees, was an important rallying point in 1855 and 1856 for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon), then emigrating to the Rocky Mountains.The campground, really a temporary village covering about 150 acres, consisted of the grove, a large pasture fenced by native sod and a ditch, and a burial ground located on the elevated ridge between the grove and the farm. Though one or two permanent structures were erected, most residents lived in tents, wagon boxes or make-shift dwellings.
During the peak year of emigration at Mormon Grove in 1855, nearly 2,000 Latter-Day Saints with 337 wagons left here for the Salt Lake Valley. It was also a tragic year for the U.S., British, and European Mormons at the little way station, many dying in a cholera epidemic.
In 1856, Iowa City, Iowa, became the major jump-off point for Latter-Day Saint westward travel, and Mormon Grove became a forgotten gathering place.
Erected by Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints and Kansas Historical Society. (Marker Number 117.)
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society, and the Mormon Pioneer Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 39° 33.432′ N, 95° 11.895′ W. Marker is near Atchison, Kansas, in Atchison County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 73 and Osage Road, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 73. Marker is on the southeast corner in a small pull out. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atchison KS 66002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Atchison (approx. 2.8 miles away); Frank R. Firth (approx. 3.1 miles away); Astronauts of the Shuttle Columbia (approx. 3.2 miles away); John Alexander Martin (approx. 3.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.2 miles away); Birthplace of the Santa Fe Railway Company (approx. 3.8 miles away); Working Men of the Railroads (approx. 3.8 miles away); 4th of July, 1804 Creek (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atchison.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 793 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
