Mormon Battalion Marker

The Mormon Battalion Association is currently documenting all historic markers located today along the historic U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail. Their research revealed these gems – located just outside of Temecula, California.  The first is a monument by a young Latter-day Saint Scout working on his Eagle project twenty-nine years ago. Johnathon McKay Crane, Troop 100 Inland Empire Council, installed this marker in Aguanga, California, in 1996.

Here are their notes posted this month on the Mormon Battalion Association Facebook platform, along with a nice photo of the marker as it stands today.  

“U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail – Temecula Valley (Aguanga, California): This monument was the Eagle Scout project of Donald Scott Crane, assisted by Troop 100 in March 1996. “

The Mormon Battalion Association noted that the moment stated that there were 5 officer wives with the soldiers, which is accurate but differed from accounts at the time the monument was created. Great work, Donald! 

The moment is recognized in the Historical Marker Database at their weblink here:

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=238755

Monument Inscription:

“In January of 1847, some 350 soldiers of the Mormon Battalion, including five officers wives and a few children, passed through this area of Temecula Valley. These soldiers, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke, were on their way to San Diego having marched 2,000 miles from Council Bluffs, Iowa carving the first wagon trail across the United States into southern California. The march of the Mormon Battalion is known as the longest march in U.S. military history which leads to the saying that ‘Only a Mormon soldier could out walk a mule.’ “

Only 15 miles away, members of the Murrieta Stake created a beautiful monument, sitting outside the fence on the grounds of the Church building at 44745 La Paz Road, Temecula, CA. The cemented stone and brick monument has a detailed bronze plaque.

“There is also a painting in the foyer of the building representing the Battalion’s arrival and amicable meeting with the members of the Pechanga tribe. It was placed in the building in 1997.”

This monument was recognized by the Temecula Valley Historical Society here:   

https://www.temeculahistoricalsociety.org/html3/42_The_Mormon_Battalion.html

Murrieta Stake Plaque Text:

The Mormon Battalion

Longest Infantry march in United States History.

Entered the Temecula Valley on January 25, 1847.

“On January 25, 1847 The Mormon Battalion marched through the Temecula Valley on their way into history. In 1846, with the outbreak of the Mexican War, United Statas President James K. Polk requested volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, to enlist for military service. Under the direction of Colonel James Allen, their orders were to march to California for the purpose of, “taking possession of, and holding the country.”

Entering this valley shortly after the Temecula Massacre, “the bloodiest battle of the Mexican War in California.” the Battalion provided protection while 38 slain Luiseno were buried near Temecula Creek. Cutting the first wagon trail from Santa Fe to the Pacific, the Battalion’s efforts forged the Southern Emigrant Trail, the Butterfield Stage Coach route, and the route for the Southern Pacific Railroad. This road opened California to colonization by the United Statas, bringing commerce, emigrants and gold seekers along the trail during the 1850’s.

Their final commander, Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke, upon completion of their over 2000 mile trek said, “History may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry. Half of it has been through a wilderness… in trackless table-lands where water was not found for several marches. With crowbar and pick and ax in hand, we have worked our way over mountain,… and hewed a passage through a chasm of living rock. Thus marching half naked and half fed, and living upon wild animals, we have discovered and made a road of great value to our country. Arrived at the first settlement of California after a single days rest, you cheerfully turned off from the route…, to enter upon a campaign, and meet, as we supposed, the approach of an enemy. Thus, volunteers, you have exhibited some high and essential qualities of veterans.”

The arrival of the Battalion brought advantages to General Stephen Kearny’a forces in Los Angeles, hastening the surrender of Mexican General Flores, thus bringing an end to the Mexican War in California. Indeed, it was while camped in Temecula, a messenger brought the news of said surrender. Upon discharge, many “battalion boys” went north and were present at Sutter’s Mill when gold ws discovered. In short, the Mormon Battalion participated in every important event shaping the modern state of California. “