What was the route of the Mormon battalion?
Monday and Tuesday, July 20–21, 1846, the Mormon Battalion left Council Bluffs. Their trek covered roughly 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to San Diego, California. Battalion members honored their military assignment, and most of those who reached the Pacific Coast were discharged in July 1847.
Where did the Mormon battalion fight?
The only “battle” they fought was near the San Pedro River in present-day Arizona against a sizable number of wild cattle. The Battalion reached this area in December 1846, and their presence aroused curiosity among these animals.
How many died in the Mormon battalion?
Serving under the direction of army officers from July 1846 to July 1847, the Mormon Battalion marched nearly 2,000 miles across the southwestern United States. Although the battalion never engaged in battle, 20 members died during the journey west.
What was unusual about the Mormon battalion?
Serving with distinction during the Mexican-American War, the volunteer Mormon Battalion was the only religiously based unit in U.S. military history. Commanded by Regular Army officers, the unit made a grueling overland march along the Santa Fe Trail from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego.
Did the Mormon Battalion fight?
Just as President Young had prophesied, the Mormon Battalion never had to fight in the Mexican-American War. They did, however, face hardships, including fatigue, hunger, and sickness. Their most severe challenges were lack of water and harsh terrain.
What is the longest military march in U.S. history?
In 1916 two companies from the 4th Missouri Infantry marched a distance of 45 miles in 15 hours during the Mexican Border War. The march broke all known marching records for US troops.
How far did the Mormon Battalion march?
2,000 miles
The men of the Mormon Battalion are honored for their willingness to fight for the United States as loyal American citizens. Their march of some 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs to California is one of the longest military marches in history.