Mormon Battalion: Tunes Along the Trails

director3455
Mar 15
1 min read

Updated: Jun 9

Our March 2025 Third Weekend Event featured Kevin Henson, who guided listeners through a musical and historical exploration of the Mormon Battalion, weaving together songs, stories, and trail lore from the legendary 1846–47 march. Drawing on his own firsthand research—including retracing the route alongside his wife, Denny—Kevin shared insights on how music and melody helped shape the battalion’s camaraderie and endurance over the grueling 2,000+ miles.

From campfire tunes to martial marches, the presentation highlighted how songs reflected soldiers’ emotions, bridged cultural divides, and offered comfort on the trail. Henson also debunked myths and clarified where the battalion traveled, offering a detailed map-based narrative of their San Diego-bound journey.

This engaging musical history underscored the pivotal role storytelling and song play in preserving pioneer heritage—and brought the spirit of the trail alive.

The Third Weekend Events at the Pioneer Museum (part of the McQuarrie Memorial Museum, also known as the DUP or Pioneer Museum) bring history to life with engaging presentations. Join us each month to explore pioneer heritage and support our museum’s mission.