The Mormon Battalion was the first and only religious battalion ever in the U.S. military. The Mormon Battalion undertook the longest infantry march in all of U.S. military history, traveling over 2000 miles, from Iowa to San Diego, California. During their march they faced many afflictions such as: hunger, thirst, illness, and hostile military leaders that did not like the Mormons. According to Mormon history Brigham Young promised the Battalion that if they obeyed the commandments, they would not have to battle. In the end, Brigham Young’s promise came true. The only “battle” they ever had was against an attack by a herd of bulls, which provided them with food.
