This website has been established by the descendants of Jacob Hamblin for the purpose of organizing his family to tell the world of his accomplishments. There is no other historical account of the establishment of peace between Native American people and the early pioneer settlers to compare to the story of Jacob Hamblin.
Plymouth colony was established in 1620. By 1675 pioneer settlers had clearly established procedures for handling conflict between Native Americans. Two extremely different cultures would become fearful of each other and communication would break down resulting in armed conflict. The pioneer settlers backed by a larger population and superior weapons conquered and subjugated the Native American populations. This pattern held true until the end of the Indian wars and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886. However, there is one great exception to the normal procedure of establishing peace through domination, massacre, and bloodshed. The exception was led by a missionary by the name of Jacob Hamblin.
During the Indian wars in Colorado nine federal forts were established for the protection of the pioneer settlers. In New Mexico another nine forts were established. In central and southern Arizona a total of 16 federal forts were built. In Utah the federal government did not become involved with the protection of the Mormon pioneer settlers. However, several forts were built in central and northern Utah.
Jacob Hamblin's influence began in the Santa Clara/St. George area of Southwestern Utah. His influence spread into southern Nevada and southeastern Utah. His influence began to spread into Northern Arizona by 1863 among the Navajo and Hopi people. By 1870 his influence reached into Arizona into the areas that are roughly north of present-day Interstate 40. This area of influence was the size of many of today's Western states. In this region there were no forts built to protect the pioneer settlers accept Fort Defiance which was no longer needed by 1868.
History books fail to explain the reason that peace was established with the Native American people in these regions 30 years before Geronimo's surrender in Southern Arizona. When the Native American people had grievances they had someone to talk to. Jacob learned their language and would go to their villages and listen to their concerns. He would then return to the pioneer settlers and explained the problem and change in behavior happened through peaceful negotiation. No armies were needed and peace was established. As a result this area that fell under Jacob Hamblin's influence is today the most heavily populated region by Native American people in the United States
The Jacob Hamblin Legacy Organization is seeking to identify all of Jacob Hamblin's descendents. We are seeking to raise funds through his descendents to build a Memorial in the heart of this land that was so greatly influenced by Jacob Hamblin. The memorial will be built in Kanab, Utah in a location where approximately two million tourists from around the world visit on a yearly basis. There will be two parts of the Memorial. A bronze sculpture will depict Jacob Hamblin with his interaction with a Native American. There will also be a map showing the tremendous impact that Jacob had on this region of America. A second priority for the organization is the production of a documentary film that will tell the story of his bravery, his devotion and his accomplishments.
We invite all of the members of Jacob Hamblin's family and interested friends to join us and help us tell the American success story of peace through love and respect rather than through war and bloodshed.
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