Part 3, Chapters 18 - 19 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 18, Krakauer details the events of the Mountain Meadow massacre. The Fancher group, which includes about 140 emigrants as well as cattle and horses, stop for rest in Mountain Meadow on their way down the Old Spanish Trail to California. As they are preparing to leave the next morning, the emigrants are fired upon. They circle their wagons and attempt to protect themselves against the gunshots. Although the emigrants believe they are being attacked by Indians, there are actually Mormons in the ranks of the attacking Indians.

It had been Brigham's idea to entice the Indians to help the Mormons defend themselves not only against passing wagon trains, but also against the federal government's soldiers. Brigham had also been encouraging outrage in his own people against the Gentiles. All of this rage that Brigham had stirred up...