“This day was spent in celebrating the 4 of July in commemoration of the declaration of ​the Independence of the United States of America, and also to make our declaration of Independence from all mobs and persecutions which have been inflicted upon us time after time ​until we could bear it no longer.” — George W. Robinson¹

On July 4, 1838, the Saints in Far West celebrated Independence Day with a parade and the laying of four cornerstones for their new temple. Leading the parade were Joseph Smith Sr. and a small military unit, followed by the First Presidency, church leaders, and a cavalry unit. Sidney Rigdon, who had recently condemned dissenters like Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Lyman Johnson, delivered a fiery speech about freedom, persecution, and the importance of temples. He warned that the Saints would no longer tolerate their rights being trampled and declared their determination to defend themselves. The day symbolized both national independence and the Saints' resolve to protect their community.²

1. Journal, March–September 1838, 46, josephsmithpapers.org

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 27, 313-315