What Is Martial Law?
3. Utah War 1857
Utah has long had a high population of people that are followers of the Mormon faith. Even after founder Joseph Smith’s death, the religion only grew stronger. With their high numbers, the Mormon population in the area were very influential, and this made some people rather uneasy.
Advertisement
People at the top, including President James Buchanan, did not like the way governing officials were elected by the Mormons. Things became so tense that, in 1857, the president sent forces to the area. As a result, the Utah governor raised a militia and declared martial law. The conflict lasted from May 1857 to July 1858.
Advertisement
Advertisement