Cynthia Robertson

San Diego History

New Video Tells Story of Historic Mormon Battalion

Battalion Site Only One of Several Historic San Diego Sites
By Cynthia Robertson
Posted on Jul 14 2006
Last updated Jul 16 2006

Amidst all the shops and restaurants that beckon visitors to Old Town, at 2510 Juan Street stands a two-story building, silent as a sentry guarding the treasures within. Often overlooked by passersby, the Mormon Battalion Historic Site boasts historical artifacts and tours about the rarely discussed passage of history by this U.S. Army Battalion.

On Wednesday, July 12, 2006, Elder Erickson with his wife, Sister Erickson of the Mormon faith, hosted an open house, inviting all interested to come watch a brand-new video about the history of the 500-member Mormon Battalion. The 20-minute film gives testament to the grueling labor of faith led by this unassuming band of men and women.

Elder Erickson welcomed us, inviting us to enjoy the cookies, fruit and apple juice set out for the open house. Several members of the Old Town Chamber of Commerce as well as park docents were present.

“We have a special announcement,” Erickson said. “This facility will be receiving an expansion, and by April of next year, this building will be torn down to make way for new exhibits and a prominent building. That means that more people will understand the presence in history of the Mormon Battalion. ”

We all clapped, and then settled back to watch the film. Not at all like most films on history, “Mormon Battalion: US Army of the West” immediately grabbed my interest with modern-day characters playing out the story. The film opens up to a scene in Council Bluffs, Iowa where a group of Mormons wanted to live in peace, practicing their freedom of religion, but were being burned out of their homes and chased away.

By the spring of 1846, nearly 20,000 Mormons were scattered across the plains. Meanwhile, tensions during the Mexican-American war increased, and in the spring of 1847, the Mormon Battalion was sent to guard the Cajon Pass. The result was one of the longest infantry marches in U.S. military history.

Their immense sacrifice included leaving wives and children behind as well as their hope of a more immediate Zion, according to their own beliefs. Their contributions were the paving of roads by axes and hand, the digging of wells and the original San Diego court house, which was the first “fired” brick building west of the Mississippi.

At the close of the film, Erickson welcomed Sister Linebaugh to comment on the film. “Three things stand out for me about this Battalion: their faith, service and sacrifice. They even left behind the gold they found in California to start up their community in Salt Lake City,” she said.

The Mormons have left their legacy scattered throughout San Diego County at many different points. The film and the promise of a new Historic Site building are only two signposts on the road of this people’s history.

About the author: Cynthia Robertson is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
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Comments

Posted by Amber Nicole Hernandez	January 29, 2008
I think It was very good and she should writh more

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