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By Mark Wright
Mountain Meadows Massacre Artifacts to Remain in Arkansas
BERRYVILLE, ARKANSAS -- They say that time heals all wounds. Perhaps
"they" never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. In the latest
chapter of the on-going saga of perhaps the most infamous incident in
the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the
Church and its primary opponent have reached an uneasy conclusion.
As reported in previous editions of Mormon News, the Church of Jesus
Christ decided to rebuild the Mountain Meadows Massacre monument in
1999, trying to bring some closure to the painful memories of all
involved. Unfortunately, the effort to put the issue to rest opened new
wounds. During the preliminary excavation for the new monument, human
remains of some of the victims were inadvertently unearthed. In addition
to the skeletal remains of approximately 29 people, the accidental
discovery also brought to light a few related artifacts, including some
buttons and some small pieces of metal.
Once the remains had been reburied, the fight over the disposition of
the artifacts remained. Scott Fancher, president of the Mountain Meadows
Monument Foundation in Arkansas, wanted the items returned to the site
of the massacre and reburied with the remains of the victims. The
Church, which owned the land where the artifacts were discovered,
decided instead to donate the artifacts to a museum in Berryville, Ark.,
near the point of departure for many of the victims. Apparently, after
several years of sometimes contentious disagreement, Fancher has now
capitulated, citing the unacceptably high costs of litigating his way to
the desired conclusion. "I don't have deep enough pockets," Fancher
said. Fancher has fought the decision for more than a year and has
appealed to all who would listen. While he still believes the artifacts
should be reburied in Utah, his attorney has convinced him that a
protracted legal battle would simply cost too much.
President Hinckley, at the September 11, 1999 dedication of the rebuilt
Mountain Meadows Massacre monument, declared, "Let the book of the past
be closed." In spite of this heartfelt plea and after almost 150 years,
this tragic event is still shrouded in mystery and pain. One thing,
however, remains certain. It is doubtful that the whole truth regarding
the Mountain Meadows Massacre will ever be known. Perhaps with the
disagreement regarding the artifacts completed, the figurative dust can
settle. Then, maybe then, the artifacts and the sad tale of the
Mountain Meadows Massacre can all rest in peace.
Source:
Battle over artifacts ends
Deseret News 31Mar01 N6
By Lynn Arave: Deseret News staff writer
Critic ceases fighting plan for massacre objects
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