Historical Events tagged with "Mormon"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Heber Manning Wells Vetoes Polygamy Bill

March 14th, 1901 124 years ago

Heber Manning Wells, the Governor of Utah, vetoed a significant bill aimed at easing restrictions on polygamy. This legislation came amidst a complex political landscape influenced by the United States' growing concerns over polygamous practices tied to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The veto demonstrated the governor's commitment to aligning state policies with federal laws and societal norms, facing opposition from those advocating for personal freedoms and the rights of the state's residents. The veto represented a pivotal decision in Utah's evolving legal framework concerning marriage practices.

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Religion & Philosophy

LDS Church Officially Renounces Polygamy

September 24th, 1890 134 years ago

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Wilford Woodruff, issued a declaration known as the 'Manifesto'. This document formally renounced the practice of polygamy among its members, marking a significant shift in church policy. The decision came in response to increasing pressures from the United States government and the need for statehood for Utah, where the church was primarily situated. Woodruff's proclamation aimed to promote harmony between the church and the federal government while addressing concerns from both inside and outside the church regarding polygamous practices.

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Crime & Law

Mormon Settlers Slaughter Emigrant Wagon Train

September 7th, 1857 167 years ago

A group of Mormon settlers ambushed and killed most members of a peaceful emigrant wagon train traveling through Utah territory. The incident involved a deliberate attack, resulting in the deaths of approximately 120 men, women, and children. Motivated by conflicts related to territorial control and rising tensions with outsiders, the slaughter aimed to protect their community from perceived threats. The remaining survivors were manipulated into silence, leading to decades of controversy surrounding the event.

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Religion & Philosophy

Joseph Smith Beaten and Tarred in Hiram

March 24th, 1832 192 years ago

A mob of men attacked Mormon leader Joseph Smith in Hiram, Ohio, administering a brutal punishment of beating, tar, and feathering. This severe assault arose from escalating tensions between Latter-day Saints and local residents. The act was symptomatic of the wider religious persecution faced by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1830s. Smith, known for his role in founding the church, was a polarizing figure and the target of the mob’s anger, reflecting the deep-seated conflicts surrounding religious practices during this period.

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