In 1857, one hundred forty men, women, and children, emigrants from northwestern Arkansas bound for California under the leadership of Alexander Fancher, left from Caravan Spring four miles south of here around May 1 and camped at Mountain Meadows, Utah, in early September. There they were attacked by Indians directed by Mormons, formed a corral with their wagons, and fought for several days until their ammunition was exhausted. Mormons then approached under a flag of truce, promised protection, and after the emigrants surrendered, all were killed except seventeen small children. The children were later found in Mormon homes, rescued by the Army in 1859, taken to Arkansas, and cared for by relatives. John D. Lee, a Mormon bishop, was tried, found guilty, executed in 1877, and confessed guilt and Mormon complicity.