How the Walker War Started

Chief Walkara

For the most part, the existence between the Saints and the Natives was a peaceful existence, but not always. I’m sure most people are familiar with the Ute chief Walkara (known to the pioneers as Walker) and his part in what became known as the famed Walker War.

By the way, what started this war between the Saints and the Natives?

a.      A trade gone bad involving fish and flour

b.      The Saints encroachment on Ute lands

c.       The Saints killing the crickets—One of the mainstays of the Ute diet

d.      Brigham Young sending missionaries and converting the natives

Yesterday’s answer:

D)   Steam

The rise of steam power greatly aided the Mormon gathering. After 1867, Latter-day Saints traveled by steamships, which were much faster than sailing vessels. Railroads were taken as far west as they went; when the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, Latter-day Saint converts were able to cross the ocean and the eastern United States and reach Utah in about three weeks. This was in stark contrast to the earlier sailing voyage of a month (to New York) or two (to New Orleans) and several months to cross the United States by boat, wagon, and foot.

Plewe, Brandon S., et. at., Mapping Mormonism (Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 2012) 104.