The Mormon Battalion at Larned, Kansas
The Mormon Battalion camped here on 8 September 1846. The more than 500 volunteers in this little army were enlisted to fight in the war with Mexico. They had been recruited from among the Mormon pioneers (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) who were camping for the winter near Council Bluffs, Iowa, during their famous trek to the Rocky Mountains.
At this campsite the soldiers found plenty of wood for their fires, but it was useless in the midst of the downpour that day, which drenched the army "like so many drowned rats." The fowl weather also hampered the next day's crossing of the rain-swollen Pawnee River, making it necessary for wagons and gear to be pulled by ropes on the opposite bank. This was only one of many fatiguing experiences the Mormon Battalion endured during its 2,000-mile march across the American Southwest to San Diego, California.
Erected 1982 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Kansas State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Battalion series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 8, 1846.
Location. 38° 11.297′ N, 99° 8.485′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ak'a Onikashin ga • People of the Southwind (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pawnee County Area All Veterans Memorial (approx. 2 miles away); September 11, 2001 (approx. 2 miles away); Birthplace of Farm Credit (approx. 2.2 miles away); Site of Original Cash Store (approx. 2.4 miles away); Site of the Larned House (approx. 2˝ miles away); Santa Fe Trail (approx. 2˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Larned.
Also see . . . The Mormon Battalion March, 1846-47. (Submitted on July 15, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
