The Biggest Myth About Mormon Polygamy

Did only 2% of 19th-century Mormons practice polygamy—or is that one of the most persistent myths in Mormon history? In this video, we examine the historical evidence behind one of the most debated questions surrounding early Mormonism. By exploring census challenges, regional differences, church leadership, and the work of leading historians, this episode explains why simple statistics often fail to capture the true role of plural marriage in the Latter-day Saint movement. You'll learn where the famous "2%" claim originated, why historians dispute it, what the best demographic research actually suggests, and why polygamy's influence extended far beyond the number of people directly involved in plural marriages. Whether you're interested in Mormon history, religious history, historical methodology, or American history, this video offers a nuanced, evidence-based look at one of the most controversial topics in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kathryn Daynes, More Wives than One: https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books... Ben Bennion’s article on polygamy in St George: https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/ma... Newsletter link for giveaway: https://benjaminpark.kit.com/e8e78e2331 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram:   / benjaminparkhistorian   TikTok:   / benjaminparkhistorian   Books: American Zion: https://amzn.to/4j8Ms16 Kingdom of Nauvoo: https://amzn.to/4cmigxw Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:59 The Question 02:33 Hinckley Quote 03:49 Origins Myth 05:46 Counting Problem 08:31 Who Counts 10:41 Real Numbers 11:45 Beyond Statistics 13:07 Leadership Teachings 14:19 Leadership Example 15:45 Final Thoughts #MormonHistory #ChurchHistory #Polygamy #History About This Channel: Welcome to the channel! I’m Dr. Benjamin Park—historian, author, professor, and unapologetic history geek. If you're tired of hearing that everything is unprecedented or nothing like this has ever happened before, you're in the right place. This channel dives into the complex (and fascinating) intersections of American religion, politics, and culture. I bring history out of the ivory tower and into real-world conversations—making it relevant, accessible, and even a little fun. Expect weekly deep dives, quick takes on current events, book recommendations, and sharp insights from the past to help us understand our present. From Mormon history to the abolitionist movement and beyond, let’s unpack how we got here—and where we might be going. Subscribe and geek out with me on the power of the past. This channel participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Views expressed on this channel are those of the presenter and not his employer.