On September 11, 1857, one of the most horrific massacres in U.S. history occurred in Southern Utah. It played a tragic piece in Utah history that many still reflect upon today. While the story is heartbreaking and awful, it is creepy and spooky as well. In fact, today, the Mountain Meadows Massacre site is said to be the most haunted place in Utah.
The Baker-Fancher wagon train was made up of men, women, and children from Arkansas who were traveling through Utah to California. The wagon train was attacked by a group of Mormon Militia on September 11, 1857.
During the attack, between 120 and 140 men, women, and children were slaughtered. The Mormon militia fabricated a story, blaming the Paiute for the massacre. They hastily buried the bodies in shallow graves, which were promptly dug up by coyotes and other wild animals. Within a few days of the massacre, bodies and body parts were scattered over two miles, left to rot in the sun.
The youngest members of the party were spared, and the 17 surviving children (all of whom were under the age of seven) were "adopted" by local Mormon families. When the children's relatives from Arkansas attempted to take the children back home, they were refused. It took two years, and intervention from the U.S. Army, for the children to be returned.
News of the massacre made national headlines and people all over the country were horrified.
This ink drawing of the victims' bodies was placed on the cover of Harpers Weekly. After the initial outrage, nearby settlers collected the most obvious body parts and buried them, mostly in two mass graves.
Throughout the years since the massacre, many visitors to this area report that it's haunted.
Mostly, people report an eerie feeling of being watched. But, some say that they hear the cries of children, women screaming, and men shouting. Since the dead weren't properly buried, it would make sense that the pioneers who were butchered so violently would not be at rest.
A few visitors have reported seeing a woman walking across the meadow, acting as though she's searching for something — perhaps her children? Others report seeing school-aged children running through the fields, laughing.
These aren't the only reports of paranormal activity at this historic site.
There are a few accounts of an older man, seen in broad daylight at the memorial, sobbing. He's wearing clothing from the 1800s and is thought to be the ghost of John D. Lee, the man who was executed by firing squad for the massacre. Lee was the only man punished for the crimes, and historians believe he was a scapegoat to divert attention from other officials who knew about, ordered, and orchestrated the massacre of so many innocent people.
If you've never visited the Mountain Meadows Massacre, take time to stop by this memorial. It's located off U.S. Highway 18, near St. George.
If you sit quietly and listen, you just might hear the voices of the dead on the wind.
Do you think the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is the most haunted place in Utah? Have you visited the area? Did you see or hear anything creepy there? If so, let us know in the comments!
Despite this piece of tragic Utah history, the Mountain Meadow Massacre site is an excellent road trip stop. However, before you go, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list.
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