11 - Mormon Battalion, Its History and Achievements by B. H. Roberts

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of the Mormon Battalion, the longest military march in history. This unique unit holds the distinction of being the only religious group to serve in the United States military, comprised entirely of volunteers from one faith and bearing a religious title. In 1847, amid the tumult of being driven from their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois, the Mormons responded to a call from the U.S. Army for 500 volunteers to aid in the Mexican-American War. From July 1847 to July 1848, this resilient battalion embarked on a grueling 2,100-mile trek from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to San Diego, California. Their arduous journey not only played a crucial role in the war effort but also contributed to the significant territorial changes in the American Southwest, particularly the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. Discover the inspiring story of courage, faith, and perseverance. - Summary by Wayne Cooke