MormonTimes.com: Extermination Order not a 'death sentence'

Beginning in August 1838, hostilities erupted into armed aggression between Mormons and Missourians, resulting in what has been termed the Mormon War.

Vigilante groups, county regulators, and state militia attempted to forcibly remove or expel Mormons. The conflict concluded in November 1838 when Mormon militia leaders surrendered to state military officers and church leaders submitted to authorities for trial in connection with the disturbances.

The Mormon-Missouri conflict of 1838 consisted of seven military episodes or campaigns. Brigham Young University associate professor Alexander L. Baugh's study examines each of these and provides alternative explanations to the problems and issues associated with recent interpretations of the conflict.

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