5th US Infantry
The 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment was one of the regular Army units sent to Utah during the Utah War. In 1857, President James Buchanan ordered federal troops to accompany the new territorial governor to Utah amid tensions between the U.S. government and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 5th Infantry formed part of the expedition led by Albert Sidney Johnston.
During the campaign, the regiment faced harsh weather, difficult travel conditions, and supply shortages rather than major battles. Members of the 5th Infantry helped protect supply trains and establish military positions as the army advanced toward Utah. After a peaceful settlement was reached in 1858, the regiment joined other federal troops in occupying Camp Floyd, southwest of Salt Lake City. Their presence helped maintain federal authority in the territory while avoiding large-scale armed conflict. The service of the 5th U.S. Infantry during the Utah War illustrates the army's role in one of the most unusual military expeditions in American history, where diplomacy ultimately proved more important than combat.
Phelps Battery
Phelps' Battery was a light artillery unit that accompanied the federal army during the Utah War (1857–1858). Commanded by Captain John M. Phelps, the battery was equipped with field artillery and formed part of the expedition led by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston to escort the new territorial governor to Utah and establish federal authority in the territory. Like many units in the campaign, Phelps' Battery faced severe winter weather, difficult travel conditions, and supply shortages while crossing the plains. Although the Utah War resulted in few direct military engagements, the battery provided important artillery support to the army and helped demonstrate federal military strength. After tensions eased through negotiation, Phelps' Battery occupied Camp Floyd with the rest of Johnston's Army, contributing to the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Utah Territorial Militia
The Utah Territorial Militia, commonly known as the Nauvoo Legion, served as the primary military force of Utah Territory during the Utah War. Led by territorial governor Brigham Young, the militia prepared to resist the advance of federal troops sent to Utah in 1857. Rather than engaging in large-scale battles, the militia employed delaying tactics, including burning supply trains, guarding mountain passes, and conducting patrols to hinder the progress of Albert Sidney Johnston and his army.
The militia's actions helped prevent the federal force from entering the Salt Lake Valley before winter, forcing the army to establish a temporary camp in southwestern Wyoming. Although tensions remained high, negotiations ultimately led to a peaceful resolution in 1858. The Utah Territorial Militia played a crucial role in defending the territory and demonstrating local resistance while avoiding a major military confrontation.