View the Mormon Battalion Pamphlet. The Mormon Battalion is the only U.S. Army unit named for its religion, according to author Sherman Fleek. The Battalion was recruited by Captain James Allen from Fort Leavenworth in 1846 as directed by Pres. James K. Polk. The recruits began their 2000-mile march from Kanesville, Iowa Territory (now Council Bluffs) and were outfitted here. During their two-week stay (August 1-13, 1846) the unit prepared for one of the longest marches in US Army history. Plus
