In September 1846, a few hundred Mormon men fought a three-day battle against a huge anti-Mormon army in Nauvoo, Illinois. The defenders were mostly poor and sick Latter-day Saints who had been left behind in the church's exodus west. Their anti-Mormon attackers, the old citizens of Hancock County, were bent on expelling this “Miserable Remnant” from the state.1 On September 10, 11, and 12, 1846, at least seven hundred anti-Mormons armed with five cannon and repeating rifles attacked Nauvoo. The defenders fought back with cannon built from steamboat shafts, improvised roadside bombs, and any small arms they could find. This was real war with cavalry and infantry charges, prolonged gunfire, injury, death, and destruction. And it was distinguished by Mormon soldiers who fought fiercely for their families, faith, and honor.
Despite the Latter-day Saints mounting a valiant defense, the Battle of Nauvoo ended in their surrender...
