Today in History: The Extermination Order

On this day (October 27) in 1838, Lilburn Boggs, Governor of Missouri, issued an order to “exterminate” all Mormons who refused to leave the state. There had been increasing tension between the Mormons and other citizens of Missouri largely surrounding Mormon opposition to slavery, their growing numbers, and their religious views. As tensions grew, divisions in the Mormon community led to dissenters being expelled from the Mormon stronghold in Caldwell County. Some of these dissenters reported that Mormons were preparing to invade the capitals of neighboring counties. A militia was formed and led by anti-Mormon Captain Samuel Bogart who began to disarm some Mormon families. They arrested three men and a rumor circulated in Mormon communities that a mob was going to execute the men. In response the Mormons mobilized a force under Captain David “Fear-Not” Patten to rescue the arrested Mormons. The two forces met near dawn on October 25. It is unclear who fired first but a Mormon scout was killed. The Mormons then formed up and charged the militia which broke and fled. Three Mormons, including Fear-Not Patten, were killed, and one militia man. Governor Boggs then issued his infamous Extermination Order which led directly to the Haun’s Mill massacre which I will write about on October 30.