Description
A collection of diaries, letters,
documents, and manuscripts of John Doyle Lee documenting early life in Utah and the Mountain
Meadows Massacre.
Background
John Doyle Lee (1812-1877) was a Mormon pioneer who was born in Kaskaskia, Illinois. Lee
was the leader of one of the Mormon wagon trains migrating to Salt Lake City in 1848. He
helped colonize Southern Utah, was a probate judge of Iron County, and a member of the
territorial legislature. Lee is best known for his part in the Mountain Meadows Massacre
which was an attack by Indians and Mormons dressed as Indians against a wagon train of
settlers passing through Southern Utah in 1857. He was excommunicated from the Mormon church
in 1870 and sent by Brigham Young to a remote spot on the Colorado River, now known as Lee's
Ferry. When he returned home for a visit in 1875, he was taken for trial, found guilty, and
executed in 1877.
Extent
4.8 Linear Feet
(3 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.