Refuting the Myth of Brigham Young's Persecution of "Real Utahns"

Refuting the Myth of Brigham Young's Persecution of "Real Utahns"

By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com

In the heart of Utah, where the legacy of the pioneers runs deep, I find myself compelled to address a common but deeply misleading narrative: the accusation that Brigham Young and the early Mormon settlers drove "real Utahns" from their homes and murdered them—an allegation that has been perpetuated by various groups over the years. This charge, often made by critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is an oversimplified misrepresentation of the complex history of the Mormon migration to Utah and the early days of settlement.

As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim Christian and a former Imam, I know a thing or two about the power of historical revisionism. I’ve seen firsthand how false narratives can be used to obscure the truth, often for political or ideological reasons. The accusation against Brigham Young and the Mormons is not only historically inaccurate, but it also conveniently ignores the broader context of frontier life in the 19th century.

Understanding the Context of the Mormon Exodus

In 1847, Brigham Young led the first group of Mormon pioneers to the valley that would become Salt Lake City. At that time, the United States was expanding westward, and the region was sparsely populated. The Mormons had been persecuted, exiled, and forced out of multiple states, including New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, due to their religious beliefs. Their journey to Utah was not one of conquest, but one of survival—fleeing religious persecution from those who sought to undermine their faith and culture.

It is important to recognize that the Mormons did not "drive out" anyone. They arrived in a largely uninhabited desert region, which was then part of Mexico. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, this area became part of the United States. The settlers who arrived in Utah, including the Mormons, were not seeking to exterminate or displace anyone—they were seeking a safe place to worship freely and build their communities.

The So-Called "Murder" of Utahns

The claim that Brigham Young and his followers murdered "real Utahns" is a distortion of history, most notably involving the events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In 1857, a tragic incident occurred in which a group of emigrants traveling through Utah were attacked by a group of Mormon militia members. This massacre, in which over 120 people were killed, was a dark moment in Mormon history, but it was not the product of a broader effort to destroy the native population of Utah. The massacre was the result of a complex mix of tensions, including the perceived threat of outsiders, misunderstandings, and the influence of external conflicts.

Importantly, Brigham Young did not directly order the massacre, and it is widely accepted by historians that he was unaware of the full scope of the tragedy until after it had happened. In fact, Young himself condemned the actions of those responsible, and over the years, the Church has acknowledged the wrong that was done. The Mormon community has expressed deep regret for the event, and it is a part of history that is remembered and acknowledged as a tragedy—not a policy of "murdering" innocents.

The Role of Indigenous Peoples in Utah's History

Another critical aspect that critics often overlook is the relationship between the Mormon settlers and the Native American tribes in Utah. When the Mormons arrived, they were not immediately at odds with the indigenous peoples. In fact, Brigham Young and other church leaders sought peaceful relations with the local tribes. Young established trade relations and even sought to help the Native Americans by teaching them agricultural techniques.

There were, of course, occasional conflicts as both sides navigated a new and difficult reality. However, this was a common experience across the entire western frontier. The Mormons were not unique in their interactions with Native Americans—tensions with indigenous populations were the norm during the westward expansion of the United States.

The Legacy of Mormon Pioneers

The "real Utahns" of which critics speak are, in many cases, descendants of the same early Mormon pioneers who settled the land. The Mormons did not seek to dominate or destroy the people of Utah—they were a persecuted people who sought refuge in the wilderness. Over time, they built communities, cultivated the land, and established institutions that continue to serve Utah to this day. The Mormon pioneers were integral to the development of the state and its infrastructure.

As a Christian conservative Iranian-American, I find it both ironic and unfair that modern critics of the Mormons focus on a few tragic events from over a century ago while ignoring the immense contributions the LDS community has made to Utah and to America. The state of Utah thrives because of the work, faith, and sacrifices of early Mormon settlers. It is essential that we examine history with nuance, and avoid weaponizing a few dark chapters to discredit an entire people and their religious community.

Conclusion

The accusation that Brigham Young and the Mormons drove "real Utahns" from their homes and murdered them is a false narrative that ignores the complexity of history. The Mormon pioneers were not colonizers, but refugees seeking freedom from persecution. The tragic events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre were an anomaly, not a pattern of behavior. As a society, we must seek truth and understanding, not rely on distortions of history to fuel division. We should honor the memory of those who contributed to Utah’s growth, while learning from the mistakes of the past and working toward a more just and compassionate future.

References

1. The Mountain Meadows Massacre: A Documentary History by William P. MacKinnon (2011).
2. The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-day Saints by Leonard J. Arrington (1979).
3. Utah: A History of the Beehive State by Dale L. Morgan (1947).
4. Brigham Young: American Moses by Leonard J. Arrington (1985).
5. The History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1830–1844), published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.