The Nauvoo Legion: When Power Breeds Conflict
In the early 1840s, the Mormon community in Nauvoo, Illinois, tried to protect itself by forming the Nauvoo Legion—a militia under the command of Joseph Smith, who was not only their spiritual leader but also the city’s mayor. While self-defense is understandable, the way the Mormons wielded this power crossed lines and escalated tensions with their neighbors, ultimately leading to violent conflict and tragedy. The Nauvoo Legion was far more than a simple militia. It was one of the largest and best-armed in Illinois, effectively serving as a private army loyal to Joseph Smith and his followers. This blend of religious, political, and military authority gave the Mormons outsized control over Nauvoo and bred fear among non-Mormons. Many outsiders saw the Mormon leadership as authoritarian, using their power to impose their beliefs and silence opposition. A clear example of this misuse of power was the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor printing press in 1844. The newspaper had published...