The Mormon Battalion, Its History and Achievements

"The Mormon Battalion: Its History and Achievements" by B. H. Roberts is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details the formation and remarkable march of the Mormon Battalion during the Mexican-American War, particularly focusing on their journey from Iowa to California. It covers the motivations behind their enlistment, the challenges they faced, and the significance of their contributions, both military and social, during this period. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the Battalion's historic march, which is noted to be unprecedented in both army history and in the broader context of military expeditions. Roberts begins by comparing the Mormon Battalion's incredible 2,000-mile march to other significant historical marches, illustrating the harsh conditions they endured, including traversing desert landscapes and enduring great physical hardship. He introduces key figures, including Lieutenant-Colonel P. St. George Cooke, who documented their progress, and provides insight into the motivations for the Battalion's formation amid the backdrop of the Westward migration of the Mormon people seeking a new home in the Rocky Mountains.