Mountain Meadows Massacre Site

This is sad Memorial to the brutal, savage slaughter of over 120 innocent men, women and children by radical, extreme, fearful Mormon leaders in Mountain Meadows valley, in 1857, in south western Utah. The main Mormon leader, John D Lee was put on trial, convicted and rightly executed for his crimes. It's located 30 miles from St George, Utah on Hwy 18. The valley gravel road to the grave site in the valley is closed in winter. The paved parking near the hill overlook is open year round. This National Historic Landmark includes a small rock cairn by the grave site of the victims in the valley. On the top of a hill over looking Mountain Meadows valley is a small trail and monument. Trail signs explain the horrific story, along the short, few hundred yard paved trail to the top. Open during the day. Parking and trash available. No water, no restrooms, no camping, no fires and no fees.
4 7 years ago (19-04-2018)

A little known piece of western history about a dark tragedy. You will have a tranquil feeling that proper recognition is now given to the list souls. It is disappointing to see that tattered worn flags are left to fly overhead.
5 7 years ago (15-04-2018)

Very peaceful and very saddening that these people on both sides confused. History is difficult to understand sometimes. Chain reaction of hate and often inappropriate responses.
5 7 years ago (16-04-2018)

This was the first September 11th attack. Truly a dark and heart breaking chapter of Utah history. If you are going to visit the site, I would suggest reading up on the history of the event as many of the important details of the attack are left out in the various plaques and signs. There are several good books on the topic. I would suggest both the books by Will Bagley & Juanita Brooks. Both are very well researched and manage to be compelling and gut wrenching at the same time. There is even book written by the man who was ultimately put to death for his role in the event - Brigham Young's adopted son John D. Lee. To really get the full impact of this site before you visit, learn as much as you can about the event, the victims and the aftermath. We visited the main memorial site and stayed for about 30 minutes. It is located down a fairly well maintained dirt road. I think we drove for about 3/4 of a mile on the dirt road or so get there. The memorial has been torn down a couple of times by local over the last 150 who maybe would prefer that this travesty be forgotten. Fortunately, the LDS Church stepped in in the late 1990's and promised to preserve the site for future generations. Many of the remains of the 120+ unarmed men women and children who were slaughtered here are buried at this site and at least 2 others in the area. The names of the victims are carved on tomb stones lining the fences and a large pile of stones sits in the middle of the monument. It was a somber experience to visit. For that reason, this place needs to always be remembered. If you found this review helpful, please click "Like" below.
5 7 years ago (13-05-2018)

This is a truly fascinating and tragic piece of American and Utah history. It's a very sobering place to visit. There are 4 sites in close proximity. The first is a main hilltop monument to the settlers who were killed. It lists the names of the victims and provides a vantage point for the other sites. The second is in the meadow below where the militia laid siege to the wagon train. The main rock cairn and monument is here. There is a trail around the siege site. There is also a rest room here. The third site is down the road a very short distance. This is the monument to the men and boys who were killed. The fourth site is shortly beyond that and is a monument to the women and children who were killed.
4 7 years ago (25-03-2018)