This is a rebroadcast. The 1838 Mormon Missouri War remains a pivotal and often tragic chapter in Latter-day Saint history. We’re revisiting an interview with Steven LeSueur, an esteemed historian and author of what is considered by many to be the definitive book on the conflict, "The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri.” LeSueur, who sadly passed away in July 2025, was remembered for his significant contributions to understanding this complex period.

https://youtu.be/YGlNLnA9RIA

Historian Behind the Book

LeSueur, who lived in Arlington, Virginia, was not a full-time historian. He described his career primarily as a journalist, covering national defense issues, editing a technology magazine, and working as a freelance writer for businesses before his retirement. Despite this, his historical expertise was profound. His seminal book, published in 1987 by the University of Missouri Press, originated from his master's thesis in American history at George Mason University.

His interest in Missouri history stemmed from early research work he did for Lamar Barrett at BYU in 1976-1977, immediately after graduating with his undergraduate history degree from BYU. This early work involved delving into diaries and letters to find references to "Adam's altar" (Adam-ondi-Ahman) and exploring various historical sites in Missouri. For his book, LeSueur conducted extensive research at the Library of Congress, Utah archives, and multiple trips to Missouri, even staying with prominent Community of Christ historian Bill Russell, who, along with Valeen Tippets Avery, reviewed his manuscript.

LeSueur also lent his expertise to a documentary called "Trouble in Zion," where he was one of several "talking heads" discussing the Mormon experience in Missouri, sharing his interpretations of the events.

Seeds of Conflict: Beyond Simple Blame

LeSueur’s approach to the Mormon Missouri War focuses on understanding how events unfolded, emphasizing a snowball effect of reactions rather than a grand conspiracy. While recognizing the immense suffering of the Mormons, he seeks to explain why Missourians reacted as they did.

Key events & LeSueur's interpretations include:

Jackson County Expulsion (1832): The Mormons were unjustly driven from Jackson County, having done nothing wrong. While a newspaper article about "Free People of Color" was a point of contention, LeSueur suggests Missourians' misinterpretation was likely driven by their deep-seated fear of anything perceived as attacking slavery, rather than solely as an excuse to expel Mormons.

The Caldwell County Compromise (1836): After Mormons were driven from Jackson and found refuge in Clay County, Joseph Smith's plans for another military expedition prompted fearful Clay County citizens to propose creating a county exclusively for Mormons – Caldwell County. This was shepherded by Alexander Doniphan.

The "Broken Agreement": Missourians largely believed that, in exchange for Caldwell County, Mormons had implicitly agreed to settle only there. LeSueur found no such agreement in Mormon sources, but Missourians, including Doniphan, clearly perceived it. For about a year and a half (late 1836 into 1838), relations were relatively peaceful, resting on this perceived agreement.

Joseph Smith's Arrival and Mormon Expansion (March 1838): When Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon moved from Kirtland to Missouri, Far West (in Caldwell County) became the new gathering place, and plans for expansion beyond Caldwell into Davies (Adam-ondi-Ahman) and Carroll (Dewitt) counties began. This expansion, especially large-scale settlements, was seen by Missourians as breaking the agreement and triggered renewed protests.

The Danites: This paramilitary organization was formed in June 1838, primarily by Samson Avard and others. Initially, their purpose was internal regulation, enforcing orthodoxy and the law of consecration among Mormons. They notably drove dissenters like Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers from Fa...