Nauvoo Legion
City militia, Illinois, U.S., 1841–1845 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Nauvoo Legion was a state-authorized militia of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, United States from February 4, 1841 until January 29, 1845. It was first led by John C. Bennett, and then by Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement and mayor of Nauvoo. Its main function was the defense of Nauvoo and surrounding Latter Day Saint areas of settlement.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2016) |
Nauvoo Legion | |
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Active | 1841-1845 |
Country | United States |
Allegiance | United States Mayor of Nauvoo |
Branch | Illinois State Militia (1841–1845) |
Type | Militia |
Role | Protect Mormon settlers from domestic and foreign enemies |
Size | Illinois State Militia (2,500) |
Engagements | Illinois Mormon War (1844–1846)
|
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Lieutenant General Joseph Smith
General John C. Bennett Hosea Stout |
In 1845 the Nauvoo Legion lost its official sanction as an arm of the Illinois militia, following a controversy in which the Nauvoo Expositor newspaper was destroyed by the Legion on Joseph Smith's orders.[2][3] Joseph Smith was ordered to the Carthage Jail under charges of treason, where Smith was then killed by a mob.