Anti-Mormonism in Colorado and Its Territorial Origins Much of what is now Colorado was originally part of Utah Territory. When non-LDS settlers sought to create Colorado Territory, political leaders used anti-Mormon rhetoric to justify separating the region from Utah. This produced a regional political culture in which anti-Mormon sentiment became normalized and persisted into the … Read more
Historical Narrative Extract – (BYA Football & a Misidentified Joseph Smith Letter) A Chaotic Christmas Football Match, 1897 In the closing years of the 19th century, American football was still forming its identity—rough, unregulated, and far removed from the structured collegiate sport known today. Brigham Young Academy, the educational precursor to Brigham Young University, fielded … Read more
Question About the Illuminati and the Temple A missionary reported teaching a family whose father once investigated the Church and had prepared for baptism. Before his baptism, he watched an illegal video of the temple endowment online. Disturbed by what he saw and by perceived similarities to other religious rites, he asked a member why … Read more
Missouri Period and Early Persecution of the Latter-day Saints (1831–1839) Missouri became a central gathering place for early Latter-day Saints beginning in 1831, with major settlement in Jackson County by 1832–1833. Rising tensions between longtime settlers and Church members escalated rapidly. By 1833, organized mob violence erupted, resulting in the destruction of homes, physical assaults, … Read more