One of only three significant engagements of the Utah War, the incident at Simpson’s Hollow played a key role in the conflict. The Utah War (1857-1858) was the result of a lack of communication between the U.S. Government and the Utah Territory concerning Brigham Young’s power as governor of Utah and as head of the Church of Latter Day Saints. To resolve this conflict of interest, President Buchanan appointed a new governor, Alfred Cumming. However, fearing Utah’s citizens would not calmly accept the replacement of Young, Buchanan canceled mail service to Utah and sent out a military force of 2,500 men to safely escort Cumming to Salt Lake City. Captain Lew Simpson, for which the site is named, and his troops, were part of this military force sent to Utah on the Oregon Trail.

Upon notification of the approaching troops, Young and other Mormon leaders assumed, because they had not been notified of the administrative changes, that the army’s intent was religious persecution. Young deployed the Utah Militia, also known as the Nauvoo Legion, to slow the U.S. troops.

In October 1857, a wagon train under the command of Captain Simpson was surrounded by the Utah Militia and forced to surrender its wagons. The Militia, led by Lot Smith, released the livestock and burned all but one supply wagon, resulting in damages estimated at over $85,000. In addition to the incident at Simpson’s Hollow, the Militia burned two other wagon trains, forcing the entire army to winter near the recently burned Fort Bridger.

In the spring, Thomas L. Kane, long-time friend of the Mormons, negotiated a settlement that allowed U.S. troops to peacefully enter Salt Lake City. Young stepped down from his position and created a diplomatic relationship with Governor Cumming.

There are four historic markers here:

• Burning Wagons
• Simpson’s Hollow
• Simpson’s Hollow
• The Utah War

Brigham Young sent the Utah Militia, also known as the Nauvoo Legion, to harass the Federal troops and delay their approach. In the early hours of October 4th, Major Lot Smith of the Utah Militia and 40 men captured and burned two supply trains, totalling 52 wagons, west of here near the Green River.

The next day Smith and his men struck again near where you are now standing. Militiaman Newton Tuttle, wrote in his journal:

“Mond 5 We went on to the Sandy got breakfast then we went up to the road & found 24 waggons we burnt 22 of them & took 7 mules and 2 saddles we then went off from the road …”.

Wagonmaster Lewis Simpson led the supply train and ever since the wagon burning episode this little valley has been called Simpson’s Hollow.

Wagon train owners Russell, Majors, and Waddell valued the damage at more than $85,000. The only casualty of both wagon incidents was when one of Lot Smith’s men who was wounded by Smith when his pistol discharged accidentally.

The loss of three months rations and livestock, as well as an early, bitter winter stalled the army at Fort Bridger. The severe weather kept the militia and the army apart. During this lull in action, intermediary Thomas Kane negotiated a peaceful settlement of the conflict. In the spring of 1858, the army peacefully entered Salt Lake City and Alfred Cumming was installed as Utah Territorial Governor.

There are four historic markers here:

• Burning Wagons
• Simpson’s Hollow
• Simpson’s Hollow
• The Utah War

A Legacy of Distrust

In 1857, the Buchanan Administration faced a series of national challenges. Civil war loomed on the horizon, the New York stock market was in trouble, Federal troops were sent to quash unrest in Kansas and Washington D.C.

Mutual mistrust, suspicion, and poor communications between Washington and Salt Lake City had been festering for a decade. The perception in Washington was that church leader / Territorial Governor Brigham Young was challenging Federal authority in the territory.

President Buchanan decided to replace Young as Governor. Thinking his decision might meet with resistance, Buchanan dispatched 2,500 troops to Utah. They left Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in July marching 1,000 miles along the Oregon Trail. The commander, Brevet General Albert Sidney Johnston, did not reach the army until near Fort Bridger. In Utah, the territory was mobilized to resist “invasion.” Plans were made for a “scorched earth” defense.

A brief brush with Utah militiamen convinced acting commander Colonel F.B. Alexander to improve preparedness. The army and its supply trains were strung out along the trail for over 50 miles. Many supply trains had no military escort and were ordered to wait for soldiers before proceeding. For three such wagon trains, their escorts would arrive too late.

There are four historic markers here:

• Burning Wagons
• Simpson’s Hollow
• Simpson’s Hollow
• The Utah War

California/Mormon/Oregon/Pony Express Trail.

Here on Oct. 6 1857 U.S. Army Supply wagons led by a capt. Simpson were burned by a Major Lot Smith and 43 Utah Militia Men.  They were under orders from Brigham Young, Utah Territorial Governor, to delay the army’s advance on Utah.  This delay of the army helped affect a peaceful settlement of difficulties.

The day earlier a similar burning of 52 army supply wagons took place near here at Smith’s Bluff.

There are four historic markers here:

• Burning Wagons
• Simpson’s Hollow
• Simpson’s Hollow
• The Utah War