CHT 100 Nevada History and Constitution Lesson 3, Topic 3 Click Slide Show at bottom right to view full-screen presentation.

Establishing Government 1850 to 1860: Several events related to the establishment of a government took place in Utah Territory. Events generally the result of clashes between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers A coherent government was not established during this period.

Interested Parties Three groups of people worked towards the establishment of government in Utah Territory during the mid 1800s Mormons Non-Mormon settlers Federal government Each group’s views are presented on the following slides

State of Deseret When Mormons first came to the Nevada area, they claimed the land for themselves and named it the State of Deseret. The Compromise of 1850 created Utah Territory, which was still controlled by Mormons. Image source

Mormons Mormons controlled Utah Territory from faraway Salt Lake City. Their leader, Brigham Young, was the first territorial governor of the area. Created Carson County, which encompassed several counties that exist today, but did little to maintain order within it. Wanted their community to remain independent. Image Source

Non-Mormon Settlers Non-Mormon settlers made numerous efforts to establish a government independent of the Mormons. Drafted two constitutions, twice requested annexation by California. Mormons tried to keep settlers from creating their own government. Conflicts eventually led to intervention by the federal government.

Federal Government & Mormons Tried to resolve conflicts between Mormons and non-Mormons President James Buchanan removed territorial governor Brigham Young and replaced him with Alfred Cumming. The Army was to provide support for the change. Roughly 1500 US Calvary were sent to the area. Image Source

Utah War Brigham Young sent out a decree calling all Mormons away on outposts back to Salt Lake City. His decree stated they might take up arms against the advancing U.S. Army. Some last minute diplomacy by Cumming's delegation helped both groups avoid bloodshed. The Mormons, American citizens, were ready to take up arms against the Federal government (also known as treason). This occurred roughly four years before the Southern states seceded from the Union, which started the Civil War.

Mountain Meadows Massacre On September 11, 1857, 120 men, women and children passing through Utah were killed by Mormons and Native Americans. It remains unclear whether: Brigham Young ordered the attack The settlers were mistakenly believed to be federal spies. This incident, coupled with the Utah War, further exacerbated hostilities between Mormons and non-Mormons.

Federal Government & Settlers Settlers sent several petitions to Congress, but the legislature did not take action to assist the settlers. Despite federal government’s efforts, non-Mormon settlers kept trying to create their own government independent of the Mormons. Image Source

End Result None of the three groups (federal government, Mormons, and non-Mormons) managed to establish a coherent government during this period. Because no one was able to establish or enforce any laws, confusion and mayhem reigned.

Summary No organized government existed in Nevada by 1860. Mormons, non-Mormon settlers, and federal government all attempted to gain control. Mormons established State of Deseret Federal government’s attempts to resolve conflicts were unsuccessful.

Assignment The discussion for this lesson will ask you to respond to questions about the groups mentioned in this presentation. Click the Back button on your browser and then click  Assignment 1 to continue.