“Blood
of
the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at
Mountain Meadows”
Blood
of
the Prophets:
By
Will
Bagley
University
of
Oklahoma Press; 1st Ed. edition (January 1, 2002)
Reviewed
by
Jack Kettler
Author’s Bio:
“Will
Bagley has
written and edited more than twenty books on
overland emigration, frontier
violence, railroads, mining, the creation of
computer search technology, and
the Mormons. Some love him, some hate him, but his
work has won every major
prize in Western History—an Old Joe, the Spur, the
Wrangler, the Caroline
Bancroft, the John W. Caughey Prize for the year’s
most distinguished book on
the history of the American West, and the Merrill J.
Mattes Award for
Excellence in Writing. He is not “anti” anything: he
simply tries to tell the
stories and find the truth of what happened.”
Publisher’s Description:
“The
massacre at
Mountain Meadows on September 11, 1857, was the
single most violent attack on a
wagon train in the 30-year history of the Oregon and
California trails. Yet it
has been all but forgotten. Will Bagley's Blood of
the Prophets is an
award-winning, riveting account of the attack on the
Baker-Fancher wagon train
by Mormons in the local militia and a few Paiute
Indians. Based on extensive
investigation of the events surrounding the murder
of over 120 men, women, and
children, and drawing from a wealth of primary
sources, Bagley explains how the
murders occurred, reveals the involvement of
territorial governor Brigham
Young, and explores the subsequent suppression and
distortion of events related
to the massacre by the Mormon Church and others.”
A Review:
Blood
of
the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at
Mountain Meadows by Will
Bagley is an exceptionally well-crafted account of
one of the most infamous and
tragic events in the history of the American West.
This book delves into some
of the darkest corners of the American experience,
exploring the roots and the
aftermath of this terrible atrocity. As a historian,
Bagley has a unique
perspective on the massacre and its impact on the
Westward Expansion of the
1800s. He thoroughly analysis historical and
archival documents and interviews
to investigate the event and its aftermath.
The
book
opens up with a riveting description of what
happened at the Mountain
Meadows in September of 1857—a group of over one
hundred and twenty men, women,
and children seeking a new life in California were
slaughtered by local Mormon
militia members. Bagley shares with the reader how
this event shook the
American West and caused much tension between
members of the Church of Latter-Day
Saints and the US government. He then takes us on a
journey to uncover this
event’s deeper meaning, what led to it, and how it
has been remembered and
reflected on by various parties throughout history.
The
investigation
into the massacre allows Bagley to track the source
of dissension
and violence that surrounded Utah’s new settlers
during the 1850s. He explores
the complex political tensions between Utah’s
Latter-Day Saints and the US
government and paints a vivid portrait of life
during this time. Bagley’s
research leads him to conclude that Brigham Young,
the revered leader of the Latter-Day
Saints, was ultimately responsible for the massacre
because of his misplaced
belief in the physical Kingdom of God now theology.
The
“Blood
of the Prophets” is essential for readers interested
in American West’s
history. Bagley expertly weaves an engaging and
informative story that explores
the origins of a tragedy that still haunts the
American landscape. He offers a
nuanced and sensitive exploration of this dark
chapter in American history that
will leave readers with much to consider. In
addition, the book also includes a
comprehensive bibliography allowing readers to
explore further the historical
evidence and aftermath of this terrible event.
The
interaction
of Bagley with Juanita Brooks’ “The Mountain Meadows
Massacre” is
masterful. Bagley is indebted to Brooks but not
dependent.
Bagley
and
Brooks had a longstanding professional relationship.
Bagley used Brooks'
book as a primary source in his research for his
book, "The Blood of the
Prophets." They also participated in various
lectures and interviews to
discuss the Mountain Meadow Massacre and other
events in Utah’s history. Bagley
greatly respected Brooks’ work and acknowledged her
as the “quintessential
scholar” of early Utah history. They often disagreed
in their opinions regarding
the facts surrounding the Massacre. However, Brooks’
dedication to the truth
and Bagley’s exploration of the records allowed
their discourse to be
productive and informative.
Overall,
Blood
of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at
Mountain Meadows is an
excellent and well-researched account that provides
a powerful and engulfing
exploration of the violence and tension of the
American West during this time.
With a unique and insightful perspective, Bagley
writes an engaging and
comprehensive book that stands as an essential
exploration for anyone
interested in the history of the American West and
the trials and tribulations
that came with it. After twenty years since its
publication, Bagley’s book is highly
recommended!
End
of
review*
“Study
to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy
2:15)
Mr.
Kettler
has previously published articles in the Chalcedon
Report and Contra
Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, attend the
Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr.
Kettler is the author of 15 books defending the
Reformed Faith. Books can be
ordered online at Amazon.