Mapping the 'Utah War'

Summary

Student-generated maps help students understand geographical and spacial relationships when discussing important events such as the Utah War.

Materials

• Outline map of Utah and the surrounding area for each student
• additional maps for reference (if available)
• overhead transparency of outline map
• colored pencils
• lecture outline
• Utah War questions

Background for Teachers

During the summer of 1857, 2,500 troops of the United States Army marched from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, toward Utah. Though their intent was to ensure the peaceful installation of a new territorial governor, Brigham Young and the Mormons responded as though under attack from enemy forces. Though no direct action occurred between the two sides, the stand-off was very tense. This lesson is designed to supplement the teaching of the Utah War. Concise summaries are easily available from any of the sources listed in the bibliography at the end of this lesson.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On an outline map, students will locate and label significant sites in the Utah War. They will then use those maps to answer questions about this event.

Instructional Procedures

Have the class brainstorm what they know about war. Ask the class if they know that Utah has had a war. If not already familiar with the Utah War, read a synopsis such as one of the sources listed in the bibliography below.

Hand out outline maps and colored pencils. Explain that students are supposed to locate and label sites having to do with the Utah War as they are discussed in class.

Use the lecture outline below (or your own lecture) to present information. Places that are capitalized in the lecture outline are to be located and labeled on the overhead and on student maps. (Students could use various maps of the area to locate some places before viewing them on the overhead.)

Have students use their maps to answer questions from the 'Utah War Questions' handout.

Review the questions and answers as a class and follow up on any student questions and comments.

Bibliography

Campbell, Eugene E. Utah's History, Chapter Nine (Brigham Young University Press, )
Ellsworth, S. George The New Utah's Heritage (Peregrine Smith Books, )
Poll, Richard D. Utah History Encyclopedia -- Utah War (, )