Mormon Battalion in New Mexico

The Mormon Battalion traveled through New Mexico in 1846.  This is before the Mormon Pioneers reached Utah and the Salt Lake Valley.  The only unit in U.S. history recruited from one religious organization was the Mormon Battalion.  They were recruited in Kanesville, Iowa and the unit included 500 men.  They served in the Mexican American War.  None would perish from bloodshed.  Twenty perished from illness.  Others were sent north in sick detachments to join the westward trek to Utah.   

Erected June 16, 1940

The Mormon battalion, composed of 500 men mustered into the service of the United States in the war with Mexico, was called to the colors as the Mormon pioneers were beginning their historic trek to the Rocky Mountains at the conclusion of the 2,000 mile march from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to San Diego, California, the leader who took command at Santa Fe paid tribute to his men in part as follows:

  "History may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry. Half of it has been through a wilderness, where nothing but savages* and wild beasts are found, or deserts where, for want of water, there is no living creature. There with almost hopeless labor, we have dug wells, which the future traveler will enjoy. Without a guide who had traversed them, we have ventured into trackless tablelands where water was not found for several marches. With crow bar and pick and axe in hand, we have worked our way over mountains which seemed to defy aught save the wild goat, and hewed a pass through a chasm of living rock more narrow than our wagons. To bring these first wagons to the pacific, we have preserved the strength of our mules by herding them over large tracts, which you have laboriously guarded without loss.

  "Thus, marching half naked and half fed, and living upon wild animals, we have discovered and made a road of great value to our country."

Lieutenant Colonel P. St. George Cook

Official order issued January 30, 1847, upon the safe arrival of the battalion in San Diego, California.

Sponsored by the Committee for the Erection of the Mormon Battalion Monument in New Mexico and the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, built through the donation of many friends.

The monument was originally erected in 1940.  It was removed in 1982 for construction of highway Interstate 25.  It was rebuilt in in 1996.