The Mormon Battalion was the only religious military unit in United States history. While the battalion didn’t see much fighting action, it did blaze what would become an important overland trail connecting the Midwest with the Pacific Ocean. Following the trail is difficult in places because it’s in inhospitable territory or difficult to find, but well-preserved historic sites in California provide visitors with a glimpse into the soldier’s arduous march.

The Mormon Battalion

In 1846, President James Polk sent a request to Brigham Young in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for 500 Mormon men to enlist in the Mexican-American War effort. They agreed, recognizing the economic benefit of having a clothing allowance, being able to keep the weapons supplied by the U.S. government, and the probability of helping the church expand westward. On July 20, the men began a march to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From there, the battalion headed westward, reaching San Diego, California, after what is considered the longest march in American military history. After arriving in San Diego, the battalion built roads and buildings, aiding the peaceful settlement of Southern California. The battalion disbanded at the end of its one year of service.

A Road of Great Value

The 1,850-mile route the Mormon Battalion marched, some accompanied by their wives and children, opened a southern route across the U.S. that was more suitable for wagon traffic than other routes. Only three years later, 60,000 people traveled the route seeking their fortunes in the California gold rush. The trail follows the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers, crosses Iowa into Missouri, then heads southwest, crossing the Oregon Trail before meeting the Santa Fe Trail. After Santa Fe, the battalion stayed on the Old Spanish Trail on the Rio Grande, but departed from well-established trails after Hatch, New Mexico.

The Trail in California

The Mormon Battalion crossed the Colorado River into what is now California on January 9 and 10, 1847, near Yuma. When they encountered the Imperial Sand Dunes, the men marched south into Mexico, then back north and west, crossing desert and the mountains in Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park. At Temecula, they headed south and west to the Mission San Luis Rey, where they turned south on El Camino Real. The men, as well as four women and one child who had made the march alongside the Mormon Battalion, arrived at the Mission in San Diego on January 29, 1847.

California Trail Highlights

The Mormon Battalion reached Vallecito Stage Station in present day Julian tired, hungry and low on supplies. Now restored, the Butterfield Overland stagecoach station provided a spot to camp, rest and recoup before heading north through Box Canyon 10 miles west. The soldiers had to widen the canyon to accommodate their wagons and mules, and the cuts they made with hand tools are still visible. About 25 miles north, the restored Warner-Carrillo Ranch House was also a stop on the Butterfield stagecoach route and a stopping point for the battalion. Some of the men of the battalion stayed at Mission San Luis Rey, while the rest marched on to San Diego.

About the Author

Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.

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