Unraveling the 1838 Mormon Missouri War: Insights from Historian Steven LeSueur

This is a rebroadcast. The 1838 Mormon Missouri War remains a pivotal and often tragic chapter in Latter-day Saint history. We’re revisiting an interview with Steven LeSueur, an esteemed historian and author of what is considered by many to be the definitive book on the conflict, “The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri.” LeSueur, who sadly passed away in July 2025, was remembered for his significant contributions to understanding this complex period.

Historian Behind the Book

LeSueur, who lived in Arlington, Virginia, was not a full-time historian. He described his career primarily as a journalist, covering national defense issues, editing a technology magazine, and working as a freelance writer for businesses before his retirement. Despite this, his historical expertise was profound. His seminal book, published in 1987 by the University of Missouri Press, originated from his master’s thesis in American history at George Mason University.

His interest in Missouri history stemmed from early research work he did for Lamar Barrett at BYU in 1976-1977, immediately after graduating with his undergraduate history degree from BYU. This early work involved delving into diaries and letters to find references to “Adam’s altar” (Adam-ondi-Ahman) and exploring various historical sites in Missouri. For his book, LeSueur conducted extensive research at the Library of Congress, Utah archives, and multiple trips to Missouri, even staying with prominent Community of Christ historian Bill Russell, who, along with Valeen Tippets Avery, reviewed his manuscript.

LeSueur also lent his expertise to a documentary called “Trouble in Zion,” where he was one of several “talking heads” discussing the Mormon experience in Missouri, sharing his interpretations of the events.

Seeds of Conflict: Beyond Simple Blame

LeSueur’s approach to the Mormon Missouri War focuses on understanding how events unfolded, emphasizing a snowball effect of reactions rather than a grand conspiracy. While recognizing the immense suffering of the Mormons, he seeks to explain why Missourians reacted as they did.

Key events & LeSueur’s interpretations include:

• Jackson County Expulsion (1832): The Mormons were unjustly driven from Jackson County, having done nothing wrong. While a newspaper article about “Free People of Color” was a point of contention, LeSueur suggests Missourians’ misinterpretation was likely driven by their deep-seated fear of anything perceived as attacking slavery, rather than solely as an excuse to expel Mormons.


• The Caldwell County Compromise (1836): After Mormons were driven from Jackson and found refuge in Clay County, Joseph Smith’s plans for another military expedition prompted fearful Clay County citizens to propose creating a county exclusively for Mormons – Caldwell County. This was shepherded by Alexander Doniphan.


• The “Broken Agreement”: Missourians largely believed that, in exchange for Caldwell County, Mormons had implicitly agreed to settle only there. LeSueur found no such agreement in Mormon sources, but Missourians, including Doniphan, clearly perceived it. For about a year and a half (late 1836 into 1838), relations were relatively peaceful, resting on this perceived agreement.


• Joseph Smith’s Arrival and Mormon Expansion (March 1838): When Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon moved from Kirtland to Missouri, Far West (in Caldwell County) became the new gathering place, and plans for expansion beyond Caldwell into Davies (Adam-ondi-Ahman) and Carroll (Dewitt) counties began. This expansion, especially large-scale settlements, was seen by Missourians as breaking the agreement and triggered renewed protests.


• The Danites: This paramilitary organization was formed in June 1838, primarily by Samson Avard and others. Initially, their purpose was internal regulation, enforcing orthodoxy and the law of consecration among Mormons. They notably drove dissenters like Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers from Far West after Sidney Rigdon’s “salt sermon”. LeSueur argues that Joseph Smith implicitly approved of their actions; Danite generals were honored guests at the July 4^th celebration, and Joseph spoke to and endorsed them. While Joseph may not have directed every action, LeSueur asserts that the “buck stops with Joseph,” as the Danites looked to him for leadership and enforced his policies. The demotion of Danite leaders like Avard and Gideon Carter further indicates Joseph’s ultimate authority.


• Sidney Rigdon’s July 4^th Oration: Rigdon’s speech, which threatened a “war of extermination” if Missourians came against the Mormons, was a significant turning point. LeSueur clarifies that this speech was a joint effort by the First Presidency (Joseph, Hyrum, and Sidney) and was later printed and promoted by Joseph Smith, indicating his full endorsement. This threat likely stemmed from an anticipation of opposition to Mormon expansion and a confidence in their growing numbers.

Escalation to Mormon Missouri War

◦ The Gallatin Election Battle in August 1838 saw Missourians attempt to prevent Mormons from voting in Davies County, leading to Danite involvement.

◦ The Siege of Dewitt by Carroll County vigilantes led to Mormons surrendering and retreating to Far West after Governor Boggs refused to provide state aid.

◦ In response, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon rallied Mormons on October 14, declaring they would “live off the land of our enemies”. Mormon forces, including many Danites, then engaged in widespread burning and plundering of non-Mormon properties in Davies County, including Gallatin and Millport, actions that occurred while Joseph Smith was present. LeSueur differs from some historians by asserting these actions were not just by “extremists” but were known and condoned by Joseph Smith, leading Missourians to view Mormons as being in rebellion.

◦ The Battle of Crooked River on October 25 occurred when Mormons, led by David W. Patten, attacked Captain Samuel Bogart’s militia to free captured Mormon spies. Patten was killed. LeSueur believes the Missourians were genuinely defending themselves, not “baiting” the Mormons.

◦ This culminated in Governor Lilburn Boggs issuing the infamous “Extermination Order” on October 27, declaring Mormons “enemies of the state”.

◦ The Hawn’s Mill Massacre on October 30, where 17 Mormons were killed, occurred before the extermination order was widely known. LeSueur agrees that had the order reached the attackers, it might have prevented the massacre.

• Joseph Smith’s Arrest and Imprisonment: Joseph Smith and other leaders surrendered at Far West on November 1, recognizing they could not win against the overwhelming state forces. General Lucas sentenced them to death by court-martial, but General Alexander Doniphan famously refused to carry out the illegal order. Joseph was imprisoned in Liberty Jail for treason, following a preliminary hearing that found probable cause. He was later released by a sheriff during a transfer.

LeSueur points out that while the Mormons eventually gained sympathy and were wronged, their actions, particularly the burning and plundering in Davies County, contributed significantly to the Missourians’ perception of them as aggressive and rebellious. He emphasizes that many Missourians were initially sympathetic but lost that sympathy as the conflict escalated.

Steven LeSueur’s “The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri” remains an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities and unfolding events of this tragic period in American and Mormon history.

0:00 Mapping Mormon History in Missouri

16:29 Peace During Caldwell County Compromise

36:53 Vigilanties & Danites

58:00 When Did Missourians Worry about Danites?

1:22:50 How much was Joseph Responsible for Danites?

1:39:16 Crooked River Leads to Extermination Order

1:58:44 Hawn’s Mill/Joseph’s Surrender

2:17:53 Liberty Jail Hearing & Escape

2:35:34 Attempt on Gov Boggs’ Life