The 1880s is marked by the administration of
John Taylor . The nationally unpopular polygamy issue comes to a head as federal legislators begin outlawing it and persecuting the church, reviving old memories of the persecution the church suffered before settling in Utah.
- The First Presidency is reorganized three years after President Brigham Young 's passing. John Taylor is named president.
- February 25 - After a bitter dispute between George Q. Cannon (who won a decisive victory) and Liberal Party candidate Allen G. Campbell over who was allowed to represent Utah territory in the House of Representatives, both are denied the position. George Q. Cannon's practice of polygamy was the deciding issue and re-sparks national controversy on the topic.
- March 23 - The Edmunds Act declares polygamy a felony. The act not only reinforces the 1862 Morrill act but also revokes the right of polygamists to vote, disallows them from holding political office, and also makes them ineligible to serve on the jury, regardless of whether they are practicing or merely believe in it. All elected offices were vacated, an election board was formed to issue certificates to those who denied polygamy and did not practice it, and new elections were held territory-wide. Practicing polygamists would have their civil rights taken away without a trial or due process. Adulterers and fornicators had no such penalties applied and did not lose their rights.
- August 23 - Rudger Clawson was tried for polygamy. He was tried by a jury composed of 12 non-Mormons. Even though the polygamous marriage was performed before the 1862 Morrill act, he was tried ex-post facto, in clear violation of the Constitution of the United States. He was imprisoned and fined for his marriage.
- February 1 - President John Taylor goes underground to avoid being arrested and tried for plural marriage.
- The Edmunds-Tucker Act abolishes women's suffrage, and seizes control of the church and its assets.
- July 30 - The attorney general of the United State files suit and seizes all assets of the church and the Perpetual Immigration Fund.
