In 1857, the Baker–Fancher emigrant wagon train was attacked by members of the Utah Territorial Militia called the Nauvoo Legion that composed of the Mormon settlers from Utah. The attack continued for a series of 5 days that killed nearly 120 people including men, women and older children with the exception of 17 children who were younger than 7 years being spared by the militia.

The attack was designed to look like the work of Native Americans. However, a few of the emigrant people on the train captured the attackers who were white Americans and recognised them. To avoid any more recognition, William H. Dame ordered for the emigrants to be killed. After the attack was successful, the bodies of the emigrants were buried.

This incident was investigated again during the Civil War and only Johny D Lee (one of the people who joined in the attacks of the militia) was tried in court and executed in 1877. Even today, this incident marks a troubled time and a low point in the history of the Mormon culture. The massacre memorial today, stands guarded by a fence. The monument consists of a pile of stones arranged behind a pole with the National Flag of America dedicated to the emigrants from Arkansas who lost their lives during the attack.

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