The Nauvoo Legion: How a Religious City Built Its Own Army
A look at the state-sanctioned militia formed by Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, and its role in 19th-century American history.
- The Nauvoo Legion was a large, state-sanctioned militia formed by Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, in the 1840s.
- Led by Joseph Smith, its purpose was to defend the city and its residents after previous persecutions.
- Though legal under Illinois law, its size and the religious leadership of its officers created significant tension with neighboring communities.
- The Legion's existence contributed to the escalating conflicts that ultimately led to the Saints' exodus from Illinois.
The Nauvoo Legion was a state-sanctioned militia established by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, during the 1840s. It served as the primary defense force for the burgeoning religious city, reflecting a period when local militias were common in the American frontier, but its unique composition and scale made it a flashpoint for conflict.
A Legal Foundation for Self-Defense
After being driven from Missouri under an extermination order, the Latter-day Saints sought refuge in Illinois. In 1840, the Illinois legislature granted Nauvoo a city charter, which included a provision allowing the city to raise its own militia, known as the Nauvoo Legion. This was not unusual; many cities and counties at the time had the right to form local militias for self-defense and to maintain order. The charter granted broad powers, allowing the Legion to organize, drill, and perform military duties.
Structure and Scale of the Legion
The Nauvoo Legion was structured much like a regular army, with companies, regiments, and brigades. Its ranks were filled by Latter-day Saint men, and uniquely, many of its officers were also prominent religious leaders. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, was appointed Lieutenant General by the governor of Illinois, making him the highest-ranking officer. Under his leadership, the Legion grew rapidly. At its peak, it numbered several thousand men, reportedly rivaling the size of the entire standing U.S. Army at the time. This massive scale, combined with its distinctive uniforms and public drills, made it a highly visible and formidable force.
- At its peak, the Nauvoo Legion reportedly numbered between 2,000 and 5,000 men.
- Joseph Smith held the rank of Lieutenant General, a position granted by the state of Illinois.
- The Legion engaged in regular drills and parades, showcasing its strength and organization.
Why the Legion Mattered
The Nauvoo Legion emerged from a desperate need for security and self-preservation. Having faced violent expulsions and persecution in Missouri, the Latter-day Saints viewed the Legion as essential for protecting their community, property, and religious freedom. It provided a sense of safety and autonomy in a time when state and federal protection often felt distant or inadequate. However, the Legion's very existence, particularly its size and the fusion of military and religious leadership, became a major source of concern and fear for non-Mormon neighbors. They saw it not just as a local militia but as a private army loyal only to Joseph Smith, potentially threatening the sovereignty of Illinois. This perception fueled deep mistrust, exacerbated existing religious and political tensions, and ultimately contributed to the escalating conflicts that culminated in Joseph Smith's assassination and the eventual exodus of the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo.
Sources
- Bushman, Richard Lyman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
- Bennett, Richard E. We'll Find the Place: The Mormon Exodus, 1846-1847. Deseret Book, 1997.
- Arrington, Leonard J. and Bitton, Davis. The Mormon Experience: A History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alfred A. Knopf, 1979.
