Mormon Battalion Historic Site

Come experience the march from Iowa to San Diego with the Mormon Battalion. Learn why this group of Latter-day Saint men and women joined the U.S. Army and what they accomplished during and after their march.

This center evokes Old San Diego and visitors are greeted by enthusiastic tour guides dressed in period clothing. Visitors are guided through an interactive video tour, going from room to room representing Introduction, Enlistment, Fort Leavenworth, Campfire, and Courthouse.  These rooms represent significant events in the march of the Mormon Battalion.  This allows visitors to experience what it would have been like to be part of the Mormon Battalion.  Visitors learn about the sacrifice, service, and faith of this unique Army battalion of 1846-47.

Visitors can enjoy panning for gold (fool’s), interacting with the kiosks, and seeing authentic artifacts. Among the historical treasures are muskets, a gold pouch, baskets, excerpts from journals of Battalion soldiers, and a cannon purchased from John Sutter that the battalion took back with them to Utah.

Visitors can have their pictures taken digitally and can take the finished print with them as they leave and e-mail copies as well. The Resource Room provides access to battalion members’ family history through touchscreen kiosks to see if visitors might be related to them.

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. For information, call 619-298-3317.

Residents and visitors San Diego has great opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Visit Just Serve website to learn more!