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Follow the links below to learn more about the massacre, its continuing effect, and its relevance today.
Academic Resources
The Center for Studies on New Religions
A series of newspaper articles explores the Mormon church’s stance today toward the massacre and the response of survivors’ descendants.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
A compendium of famous trials includes an in-depth account of the two trials of John D. Lee, who received the death sentence for his part in the massacre.
The Archeological Institute of America
In-depth account that includes mention of the unearthing of victims’ bones in 1999 as well as the 2002 find of an inscribed lead sheet written by Lee indicating Brigham Young's role in ordering the massacre.
Special Interest Groups
The Mountain Meadows Monument Foundation
The Foundation is dedicated to preservation of historical materials surrounding the incident. Extensive links, including articles about the massacre, as well as photos, genealogies and opinion.
Mountain Meadows Massacre Descendants
Descendants and family members of survivors share family histories, photographs and research.
Open to members on both sides of the event, the Mountain Meadows Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization that works to identify, remember, and honor those killed in the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857
MtnMeadows.org
Maintained by Terryl Nolan Fancher, a family member of Alexander Fancher who led the ill-fated wagon train, page includes pictures of the site and the new memorial.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Article from Ensign Magazine on the official LDS website written by Richard E. Turley Jr. Managing Director, Family and Church History Department.
“For a century and a half the Mountain Meadows Massacre has shocked and distressed those who have learned of it. The tragedy has deeply grieved the victims’ relatives, burdened the perpetrators’ descendants and Church members generally with sorrow and feelings of collective guilt, unleashed criticism on the Church, and raised painful, difficult questions. How could this have happened? How could members of the Church have participated in such a crime?”
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General Web Resources
Lightplanet.com.
An account of the massacre from the Mormon perspective.
Wikipedia
A well-referenced overview of the massacre with extensive notes and links.
PBS documentary “The Mormons” airing April 30th and May 1st, 2007
brings together FRONTLINE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE in their first co-production to provide a searching portrait of this fascinating but often misunderstood religion.
PBS series “The West”
Transcript of episode of PBS series dealing with massacre contains vivid descriptions and good historical background.
Court TV Crime Library
Well-documented overview of the massacre with extensive ancillary information and a photo library.
Religious Tolerance
An account of the massacre with historical background. Includes quotes from books on the topic.
American Heritage Magazine
Detailed account of the massacre and subsequent related developments and activities up to present day.
Source Materials
Reason
The statement and confession of John D. Lee, the only man tried and convicted for taking part in the massacre.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
Transcripts from the trials of John D. Lee including testimony from Philip Klingensmith, the Mormon bishop in Cedar City who was present at the massacre, probably the most detailed and credible account of the massacre, the Mormon chain of command, and the distribution of the surviving children.
