Imagine if a government that had ignored, penalized and persecuted you now asked you to form an army regiment to fight for them. The officials who had allowed, even encouraged, your mistreatment now wanted you to volunteer to help them. Oh the thoughts that would have run through your mind (maybe a few unprintable).
Our pioneer forefathers had lots of concerns to think about. They wanted to travel west with their families, but not everyone had the needed supplies. The pay offered for their service would help, and their leader, Brigham Young, thought it would demonstrate their patriotism. So the Mormon Battalion was formed of about 500 men, more than 30 women (mostly to care for laundry), and 51 children. They made a unique group in American history and undertook an incredible trek of 2,100 miles.
If learning about this exceptional group of volunteers sounds interesting, come to the free presentation at the McQuarrie Museum on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m.
Mary Ann Kirk will present “…a quick review of the Battalion story and some of the discoveries we have found in our recent research, followed by a reader’s theater about the women with the Battalion and those left behind.”
Mary Ann was the Cultural Programs Manager for Murray City for 25 years. After retirement, she and her husband served at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in San Diego. She knows a great deal about the story, the myths, and new discoveries about the women and children. For the last three years she has been involved as a researcher for the Mormon Battalion Association, coordinating efforts with Church entities for accuracy and consistency.
Mary Ann is also a direct descendent of a Mormon Battalion soldier, and will give a brief summary of the current research, resources, and efforts to secure and share images of original military documents. She will touch on related new discoveries about individuals, the story of the Battalion itself including several stories from women in Washington County.
This special presentation is the Third Week Event at the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers McQuarrie Memorial Museum, located at 147 N. 100 E. in St. George. The event is at 10 a.m., it is free, and there is handicap access. For more information, you can visit the museum website at dupstgeorge.org or call 435-628-7274. Also, the Muddy River Gang will have a shootout re-enactment at 9:45 and 11:45. So lots of fun!