American Primeval: the truth behind the fiction

The truth behind the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the impact of fiction

Recent series such as American Primeval draw attention by depicting historical events, but also bring challenges. Although the series provides exciting television, it unfortunately contains numerous historical inaccuracies. This is particularly problematic when it comes to sensitive topics such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic and dark episode in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of the church, I feel the need to separate fact from fiction and take an honest look at what really happened.

What really happened?

The Mountain Meadows Massacre took place on September 11, 1857, during a period of great tension in Utah, known as the Utah War. A group of emigrants from Arkansas was attacked by a group of Mormon militiamen, supported by some Paiute Indians. The attack resulted in the brutal murder of over 120 men, women, and children. Only seventeen children under the age of six were spared, because they were considered “too young to tell stories.” The victims were brutally murdered after they were given a falsesense of security was given via a so-called white flag of peace.

The motive behind this atrocity was complex. It involved a combination of fear, distrust of immigrants in a time of conflict with the American government, and misplaced loyalty. Importantly, no leader of the church, including Brigham Young, directly ordered the attack. However, the hostile and paranoid atmosphere of that time created an environment in which such a tragedy could occur.

What is wrong with American Primeval?

Although the series claims to show historical events, much of it is heavily fictionalized, including:

1. Location of the massacre: In the series, the attack is depicted as taking place near Fort Bridger, while in reality it happened hundreds of kilometers away, in southwestern Utah.
2. Involvement of Paiute tribes: Although a small group of Paiutes was involved, the series portrays them as the main perpetrators, which is historically incorrect. The responsibility lay primarily with the Mormon militiamen.
3. Disguise of the perpetrators: In the series, the militiamen wear hoods over their heads, making them resemble the Ku Klux Klan. This is entirely fictional; such masks were not used.
4. Survivors and witnesses: The only survivors were young children. The series often obscures the role of the children and the brutal nature of the attack.
5. Brigham Young's role: The series implies a much more direct involvement of Brigham Young than is historically proven. Although his rhetoric may have fueled tensions, he did not order the attack. In the series, he is in places where he was never present.
6. Bridger's fort: was bought by Young two years before the massacre and burned down so that the approaching US army could not use it.

An extensive description of fact and fiction can be listened to in this podcast from Momon Land.

Why is this fiction problematic?

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it hurts to see this tragedy misrepresented. It is difficult enough to face the dark pages of our history, but it is crucial that this happens based on facts. Fictional elements, however dramatic, can distort the image of our faith and history and unfairly attribute blame to individuals or groups.

I fully acknowledge that the Mountain Meadows Massacre is a deeply tragic event. It shows how far people can stray when guided by fear and extremism instead of love and compassion. It is an episode for which we as a church must take responsibility, which we have also done by open investigation supporting and erecting monuments in remembrance of the victims.

A call for understanding and nuance

I hope that readers of this blog understand that the reality of what happened is already painful enough. We should not embellish this history, but we should also not distort it further. I call on everyone, after watching American Primeval to delve further into history through reliable sources, such as Vengeance is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath by Barbara Jones-Brown.

The history of the church is a story of faith, struggle, and, yes, also mistakes. But precisely by honestly looking at those mistakes, we as a community can learn and grow. I hope that this blog contributes to an honest and factual conversation about the Mountain Meadows Massacre and that it helps to clear up misunderstandings.

Let us strive for understanding, compassion, and truth — qualities our world needs more than ever today.