Church History Matters 166 - What You Never Knew About Liberty Jail with Alex Baugh - E43C October 20-26
Oct 16, 2025
In this riveting discussion, Alex L. Baugh, a Church History professor at Brigham Young University, delves into the complex history of Liberty Jail during the Latter-day Saint Missouri period. He reveals the escalating tensions leading to Mormon expulsion, the role of militias, and the infamous extermination order by Governor Boggs. Baugh offers vivid details about jail conditions, debunks myths, and highlights Joseph Smith’s transformative experiences and revelations during his confinement. His insights underscore how studying history strengthens personal testimony.
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Root Causes Of The Missouri Conflict
- Tensions escalated from land, politics, and Kirtland fallout into open conflict in Missouri between 1831–39.
- Creating Caldwell County for Saints and settlements in Davies inflamed local fears and forced confrontations.
Extermination Order's Historical Meaning
- Paramilitary groups and militia blurred lines, escalating violence beyond civil control.
- Governor Boggs' "extermination" order aimed at removal, not explicit sanctioned murder, in contemporary usage.
Arrests That Led To Liberty Jail
- Joseph and other leaders were arrested and moved from Independence to Richmond then Liberty in late 1838.
- The Richmond hearing found probable cause for six men and sent them to Liberty Jail for longer confinement.
