In this episode of Mormon Stories, host John Dehlin is joined by historians Barbara Jones Brown and Darren Parry to analyze the historical accuracy of Netflix’s new series, American Primeval. Set in mid-19th-century Utah, the series explores real events and people, including the Utah War, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormon settlers, and the Shoshone, Ute, and Paiute tribes. While the show is heavily dramatized, it draws from true historical events, and Barbara and Darren break down which aspects are fact and which are fiction.

Barbara is co-author of Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath, and Darren is the author of The Bear River Massacre: A Shoshone History. Their perspectives are uniquely personal—Barbara is a descendant of those involved in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, while Darren is Northwestern Shoshone, with ancestors who lived through these tumultuous times.

Throughout the episode, they examine key elements of American Primeval, discussing Brigham Young’s portrayal, the depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and how Native Americans were represented. They address common misconceptions, including false narratives that Native Americans were responsible for the massacre, and explain the real motivations behind the violence. They also highlight the role of the Nauvoo Legion, the interactions between Mormons and the U.S. government, and the complex relationships between Mormon settlers and indigenous tribes.

The conversation touches on several inaccuracies in the show, such as exaggerated violence, the invention of fictional characters, and the portrayal of scalping, which was not a part of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Barbara and Darren provide historical context for figures like Jim Bridger, Elias Higbee, and Wild Bill Hickman, as well as Mormon polygamy and its depiction in the series. They also discuss the impact of the massacre on Mormon history and the lasting consequences for both settlers and Native Americans.

Beyond the show, the discussion raises important questions about how history is told and remembered. They explore whether Brigham Young directly ordered the massacre, how early Mormon leaders viewed Native Americans, and the ethical implications of dramatizing real historical events.

This in-depth conversation provides an essential historical perspective for anyone watching American Primeval and looking to separate fact from fiction. Watch as Barbara and Darren bring their expertise and personal connections to the forefront, offering valuable insights into this complex and often misunderstood chapter of American history.