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Today in History: Provo River Massacre: Militia Ordered to Exterminate Timpanogos

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 31, 1850, Utah territorial governor Brigham Young authorized militia leader Daniel H. Wells to eliminate Timpanogos men considered hostile. This directive led to the Provo River Massacre, where 90 Mormon militiamen besieged Timpanogos families, resulting in the deaths of 40 to 100 Native Americans and marking a significant event in the Ute Wars.

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Story summary

On January 31, 1850, Utah territorial governor Brigham Young authorized militia leader Daniel H. Wells to eliminate Timpanogos men considered hostile. This directive led to the Provo River Massacre, where 90 Mormon militiamen besieged Timpanogos families, resulting in the deaths of 40 to 100 Native Americans and marking a significant event in the Ute Wars.