Nauvoo Legion in Illinois: A History of the Mormon Militia, 1841–1846

When the Mormons established their theocratic city of Nauvoo on the banks of the Mississippi in 1839, they made self-defense a priority, having encountered persecution, violence, and forcible expulsion elsewhere. Organized under Illinois law, the Nauvoo Legion was a city militia made up primarily of Latter-day Saints. This comprehensive work on the history, structure, and purpose of the Nauvoo Legion traces its unique story from its founding to the Mormon exodus in 1846.

An American construct in design, appearance, and function, the Nauvoo Legion quickly became one of America’s largest―and most feared―militias. The authors describe its origins, daily activities, and general conduct, including parades, sham battles, uniforms, and military operations. And they also present a new interpretation of the Legion’s essential purpose and character. Drawing upon overlooked state militia records and recently discovered archival material, they identify the thousands of citizen soldiers who served.

Despite the nominal authority of the Illinois governor, the Nauvoo Legion was led by Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith. As the militia grew in strength and military prowess, neighboring non-Mormons grew wary. Soon, local fears led to violence and the killing of Smith and his brother, Hyrum, in 1844. When the Nauvoo Charter was revoked, the militia no longer enjoyed legal status and assumed a distinctly different role in Mormon affairs until it was reconstituted after the Mormon emigration to Utah.

Impeccably researched and honestly told, this groundbreaking study fills a major gap in Latter-day Saint church history and adds a significant chapter to the annals of American militias.