Mormon Land Rights in Caldwell and Daviess Counties and the Mormon Conflict of 1838: New Findings and New Understandings

Authors

Jeffrey N. Walker

Keywords

Mormon studies, Mormon land rights, Mormon Conflict of 1838

Abstract

Jeffrey N. Walker explains how Missouri persecutors in Daviess County profited from driving Mormons off the lands they had settled. In 1830, laws allowed squatters the first opportunity to buy land they had improved after the land was surveyed. If squatters did not make the payment deadline, other interested parties could buy the improved land at unimproved prices. Walker argues that some Missourians were motivated by greed in cleverly orchestrating the timing of their persecutions. The Extermination Order given by Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs and the siege of Far West occurred at the same time the Mormons' land payments were due. Walker explains that when the Mormons' preemptive rights lapsed because they were forcibly prevented from leaving the city to make their payments, their persecutors quickly purchased the most valuable improved land.

Recommended Citation

Walker, Jeffrey N. (2008) "Mormon Land Rights in Caldwell and Daviess Counties and the Mormon Conflict of 1838: New Findings and New Understandings," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 47: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol47/iss1/1