Part 1 of 6 in a series on Orrin Porter Rockwell I wrote for Legends of the Old West.
In "Faith & Fervor", the premiere episode of a six-part series, we delve into the tumultuous and faith-driven life of Orrin Porter Rockwell. Born amidst the fervor of the Second Great Awakening in early 19th century America, Rockwell’s journey from a devout Mormon family in Massachusetts to the Western frontier is explored. We trace his deep connections to the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, detailing his close association with Joseph Smith and the early Mormon pioneers. The episode sets the stage for Rockwell's controversial legacy as a feared enforcer and protector of his faith, juxtaposed against the sweeping religious and cultural transformations of the time. From his early life in the "Burned Over District" of New York to the violent clashes and migration to Missouri, Rockwell’s story begins with both a literal and metaphorical journey from faith to fervor.
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