The Mormon Battalion: Its History and Achievements

by B.H. Roberts

For most LDS historians, B.H. Roberts set the standard of excellence. Few have matched his attention to detail. The sheer volume of his writings is astounding. Out of print for years, and only available in rare book stores, The Mormon Battalion has been a sought-after work that recounts a time when a contigent of men made an incredible sacrifice that, in a great way, made the Saints' westward trek possible. Preserving much of the original spellings and editorial markings, this limited printing recounts the Battalion's historic 2,000-mile march to the Pacific Ocean. Understand the sacrifice. In the words of B.H. "...it (the Battalion) brought to the volunteers and to the people much sacrifice. The force was to be recruited from among the fathers of families. Practically five hundred wagons were left without teamsters, and as many families were left without their natural protectors and providers. To volunteer for a 'war-march' of two thousand miles, much of which was desert, under such circumstances, was doubly hard. Moreover the Mormon people had little to be grateful for to the government of the United States. To respond to the call was a manifestation of unselfishness not often paralleled in history."

Genres: History, Religion, Historical, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

Brigham Henry Roberts was a Mormon leader, historian, and politician who published a six-volume history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and was denied a seat as a member of United States Congress because of his practice of plural marriage.

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

B.H. Roberts' consummate abilities as historian are well-portrayed in this fast-paced, yet methodical history of the Battalion. Recognized as the longest infantry march in American, if not world history, the book tells of the Battalion's call, acceptance, marches, sufferings and sacrifices, faithfulness, and achievements before and after its arrival at San Diego, and of the blessings that came to the Latter-Day Saints as a whole as a result of their service.
A few examples:
- The Battalion forewent purchase of clothing to send payment to their families and early Mormon leaders in their efforts to prepare to trek the Great Salt Lake Valley. This was at great sacrifice, as the Battalion members would soon find out, because many had to improvise to make crude shoes during their march across the southwestern deserts, many times out of cotton or other inferior material. (See ch. 3, 6)
- The first bricks in California were made and burned by Mormon Battalion members. (See ch. 8)
- The purchase of the original site of Ogden, Utah was made with Battalion money. (Ch. 8)
- The Battalion contributed several varieties of seeds to the Utah territory which proved hardy and proper for Utah's climate. (Ch. 8)
- Battalion members played a significant part in the discovery of gold in California and its announcement to the world. (Ch. 8)
- Of the Battalion it was said, "They religiously respected their rights and feelings of the conquered people of California; not a syllable of complaint of a single insult offered, or any outrage done by a Mormon volunteer." (Ch. 9)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is available for free on Audible's podcasts. I'm serving with the California Living History Mission. Our group goes into stake primary pioneer events and schools (where we focus on California history and pioneers only) and teach California History to Fourth graders. I'm reading a lot of related material and building a good knowledge base to help me be a better educator and reenactor.

The book is a good high-level overview of the Morman Battalion and their long march from Iowa to San Diego.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ricketts book is much more extensive but this had a few extra interesting things. Especially at the end when they talked about the Captain and his lieutenants. And I will definitely want see the SLC monument the next time I visit.

[Grandma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dull, could have been a shorter story.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice quick read (less than two hours), available from Project Gutenberg, that offers a straightforward history of the Battalion.

It's especially interesting in that it gives good background of how and why the Battalion came to be formed - turns out the Church actually asked the government for a way to serve in the West (originally expecting to build forts or supply posts, etc.). At around that time, the Mexican-American war happened, and the Church's agent in D. C. agreed to the idea of the Battalion. After getting government permission to be on Indian land (more or less in exchange for the Battalion) Brigham Young supported the whole thing. So, the real history's a bit more nuanced than what it seems most people are aware of.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, very readable history of the Mormon Battalion. It was fascinating to read how the Battalion came to be, that Brigham Young had actually solicited the federal government for a job the Mormon refugees could fulfill in return for assistance in their move west. It was also interesting to discover that the Battalion's march of infantry has never been equaled in length, either in ancient, or in modern times. I would have liked more stories. The personal names, place names, and dates came thick and fast.

[Shirley Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just a basic fact book. A great historical novel could have been written about this sacrifice that Mormon recruits made from Illinois to San Diego, California - a march of over 2000 miles to help secure California for the US, but the never saw action. The trail trials were horrendous, but they handled them with much courage and fortitude, though at the time the Mormon people had little to be grateful for to the government of the US. A shame in the US history.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently reading this on Distributed Proofreading, a place where books are scanned and need to be compared to the scan and proofread. Then they are passed on and available for electronic readers! It's an incredible book to learn more about The Mormon Batallion. I'm so grateful to live today!!! ( didn't get to read all of it, hence, 4 stars.)

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written and informative, but there wasn't enough comentary in it for me. It was a lot of quotes and facts. I wanted a few more stories. It was good. I learned a lot, and it was short.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that gives detailed and accurate information about the Mormon Battalion and its march. Definitely a must read for those interested in Church history, military history, or the California Gold Rush.

[Daren · Rating 3 out of 5]

So dry and detailed account, that the reader's attention is drawn to the description itself, rather than to the actual events being described.