FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mountain Meadows Massacre
Mountain Meadows Massacre
The Mountain Meadows Massacre (1857) was the killing of members of a passing emigrant wagon train in southern Utah Territory by a local Mormon militia, with participation from some allied Native Americans, during a period of heightened fear surrounding the Utah War. Critics often attribute responsibility to Church leadership due to the territorial context and rhetoric of the time, but available historical evidence distinguishes between local decision-making and Church headquarters, and does not support claims that Brigham Young ordered the attack. The Church has since acknowledged the tragedy, expressed sorrow for what occurred, and disavowed the actions taken at Mountain Meadows while noting the complexity of the circumstances. Click the links below for faithful answers to questions about and criticisms of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
- Historical Summary of the Mountain Meadows Massacre
- The Perpetrators of the Mountain Meadows Massacre
- Brigham Young and the Mountain Meadows Massacre
- Others Involved in the Mountain Meadows Massacre
- Additional Resources on the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Video published by the Church History Department.