Crime in Utah Primary Source Set
Educator Resources
About Crime in Utah
Throughout Utah’s history there have been many interesting and tragic crimes, criminals, and convictions. Some people have become mythic figures as romanticized outlaws in Utah history, while others have become infamous for murders. Looking into crime in the past can help us better understand history and how our society has changed over time. It can help us to understand a range of issues, such as systemic racism, prohibition, child welfare, robbery, labor workers, and more. This primary source set contains information on infamous criminals and crimes, including Joe Hill, Butch Cassidy, John D. Lee and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and lesser-known cases that have been largely forgotten.
Resources for Historical Context
Elementary School Students
- Article about Joe Hill from the Utah History Encyclopedia
- Article about the labor movement in Utah, which is related to the Joe Hill case, from the Utah History Encyclopedia.
- Brief article on Butch Cassidy from the Utah History Encyclopedia.
Secondary School Students
- An article recounting the tragic history of Mountain Meadows Massacre.
- This NPR article discusses LDS and Paiute perspectives from the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
- This article compares Butch Cassidy to Robin Hood and questions if he was more than just another criminal.
Discussion Questions
After reading through these primary sources, discuss these questions in groups to better understand the history of the crime in Utah.
Elementary School Students
- Regarding the Joe Hill case, do you think this same issue would happen today?
- How is the criminal justice system different today than it was at previous times in Utah?
- How was western expansion related to the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
Secondary School Students
- What does the Joe Hill case show about politics and fear in the early 1900s?
- Why did the Joe Hill case garner world-wide attention?
- How have famous criminals and cases, like Butch Cassidy and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, impacted modern views of these figures and issues?
Teaching and Learning
Tags: Joe Hill, Butch Cassidy, John D. Lee, Mountain Meadows Massacre, Pardon Applications, Crime.
Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies
- United States History I, Strand 6: Expansion
- Fourth Grade Standard II
- Utah History, Strand 3: Utah in the Union
Written by Mariah Todd
Originally published in October 2020
Primary Source 1
Series 81448 Box 18 Folder 32, November 19, 1915
Description: Death certificate of Joe Hill from 1915.
Analysis Questions
- How was Joe Hill killed?
- From what you know about Joe Hill, why did he die in this way?
Primary Source 2
Series 24291 Box 4 Folder 12
Description: A statement from John D. Lee regarding his indictment in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Analysis Questions
- How did John D. Lee react to his indictment?
- Was John D. Lee alone in his actions during the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
Primary Source 3
Series 4031, Image 1
Description: Indictment of Butch Cassidy from 1897.
Analysis Questions
- What crime was Cassidy indicted for?
- Why is Butch Cassidy still a well-known figure today?
Primary Source 4
Series 328, Reel 1
Description: Pardon application and petition for Nephi Anderson and Sophus Mollerup.
Analysis Questions
- What crime were Nephi Anderson and Sophus Mollerup convicted of?
- What reasons did the petitioners give in arguing for a pardon for Anderson and Mollerup?
Primary Source 5
Series 2941, Reel 1 (Box 1 Folder 1)
Description: These letters are between President Woodrow Wilson, Utah Governor Spry, and the Swedish Minister in 1915.
Analysis Questions
- Why were other leaders in the world contacting the Utah governor?
- Why did the Joe Hill case garner international interest (see the Resources for Historical Context for more information)?
Primary Source 6
Series 13300, Box 6 Folder 14, Image 633
Description: Mugshot and arrest records from Ogden Police.
Analysis Questions
- Why was E.J. Davidson arrested?
- What does this source show about crime in Utah during Prohibition?