The economy recovered in several years, though many Americans suffered as a result of the panic.[61] Buchanan had hoped to reduce the deficit, but by the time he left office the federal deficit stood at $17 million.[60]

Utah War
Main articles: Utah War and Runaway Officials of 1851
The Utah territory, settled in preceding decades by the Latter-day Saints and their leader Brigham Young, had grown increasingly hostile to federal intervention. Young harassed federal officers and discouraged outsiders from settling in the Salt Lake City area. In September 1857, the Utah Territorial Militia, associated with the Latter-day Saints, perpetrated the Mountain Meadows massacre against Arkansans headed for California. Buchanan was offended by the militarism and polygamous behavior of Young.[62]
Believing the Latter-day Saints to be in open rebellion, Buchanan in July 1857 sent Alfred Cumming, accompanied by the Army, to replace Young as governor. While the Latter-day Saints had frequently defied federal authority, some historians consider Buchanan's action was an inappropriate response to uncorroborated reports.[53] Complicating matters, Young's notice of his replacement was not delivered because the Pierce administration had annulled the Utah mail contract.