Carthage jail to nauvoo In one day, they had lost their prophet and their patriarch. The scene of these men in the jail’s upstairs bedroom referred to as the “debtor’s cell” is forever etched in Latter-day Saint memory. On June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred—killed by a mob that attacked them in Carthage Jail. In October the students in the fall program walked from Nauvoo to Carthage in a re-creation of Joseph Smith’s June 1844 journey. "The whole reason they are guarding Nauvoo is largely to protect Joseph," Mahas said. Feb 13, 2025 · Carthage Jail, located about 20 miles southeast of Nauvoo, is the restored historic site where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob on June 27, 1844. Joseph died not only as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, but as a Mayor of one of the largest cities in America, General of the Nauvoo Legion (the largest city militia in the western United States), Mar 11, 2025 · We had lunch in a Mexican restaurant in Carthage and then returned to Nauvoo. Oct 16, 2020 · Carthage to Nauvoo. After Joseph and Hyrum were killed at the Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844, their bodies were brought back to Nauvoo. Meals: B Jun 27, 2017 · Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Nauvoo with my family. Halfway Point Between Nauvoo, IL and Carthage, IL. On June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred—killed by a mob that attacked them in Carthage Jail, located in Carthage, Illinois. But that’s not what they did. On June 10, 1844, Joseph Smith, who was the mayor of Nauvoo, and the Nauvoo city council ordered the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor and the press on which it was printed. With promises of safety from Ford, the brothers eventually surrendered in Carthage where they were charged with treason. The tour size of nearby Carthage Jail is limited to 20 individuals. The Rise and Fall of a Religious Empire on the American Frontier. Head East on Buchanan St toward N Marion St – pass by Dairy Queen (on the left). Smith Orders the Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. The original jail has been carefully restored and is about a 30-minute drive from Historic Nauvoo. Jan 29, 2025 · The Nauvoo Discovery Program YSA tour Carthage Jail and the Homes of the Apostles. Joseph and the other men were in this upstairs room at the jail. In Nauvoo, Joseph Smith received important revelations from the Lord—including the temple ordinances of baptism for the dead, the endowment, and eternal family sealings; apostles left on overseas missions; tradespeople developed a dynamic economy that Scott Woodward: This is the Carthage Greys, which—here’s how John Taylor describes the Carthage Greys: he said, “The report of the governor having gone to Nauvoo without taking the prisoners along with him caused very unpleasant feelings, as we were apprised that we were left to the tender mercies of the Carthage Greys, a company strictly Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail are places of historic significance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On the morning of June 27, 1844, while at Carthage Jail, Joseph wrote a letter to Emma, “I am very much resigned to my lot, knowing I am justified, and hove done the best that could be done. 396660 and -91. One of these men, from the militia in the neighboring town of Warsaw, Illinois, commemorated his participation in the killings on this horn, which carried his gunpowder: “Warsaw Regulators, The end of the Polygamist Joseph Smith kilt at Carthage Jail You might like to take some evening photos of the Nauvoo Temple at night. Visiting Carthage Jail, Know Before You Go. Background of Carthage Jail learn about what led up to the death of the prophet Joseph Smith. , Alex Smith, Brett Dowdle, Elizabeth Kuehn. (Liveright, 2020) – popular The rebuilt Nauvoo Temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Oct 31, 2023 · Carthage Jail. (B) Day 6: Nauvoo /Carthage This morning enjoy Sacrament Meeting at the Nauvoo Ward. Nauvoo Temple: Development of Temple Ordinances Aug 27, 2015 · Fearful of Smith’s growing military and political power, his enemies later formed a mob that murdered him and his brother Hyrum in the county jail in nearby Carthage. Smith files a writ of habeas corpus with the Municipal Court for the City of Nauvoo. If you want to meet halfway between Carthage, IL and Nauvoo, IL or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 40. Mar 24, 2008 · Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and several other LDS leaders were incarcerated in Carthage Jail on June 25, 1844, to answer charges stemming from the destruction of the press used to print the anti-Mormon newspaper Nauvoo Expositor. This event is singular in the history of the Church. View of second floor at Carthage Jail. 8132" W. This site is famous for the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. The attackers charged the second-floor room and fired their guns. While being housed in an upstairs room of the Carthage Jail, a band of armed men stormed the jail with guns blazing and ruthlessly martyred the Prophet Joseph and his brother, Hyrum. The Saints survived the succession crisis that ensued until Brigham Young was chosen to lead them. Several missionaries shared observations and memorable experiences while guiding tours at the jail in timing with the 175th anniversary of the martyrdom. I love visiting the historical sites and learning about the early Saints’ strong testimonies, during the great times and the rough times. He then left the hostile Carthage Greys to guard the jail and took the most dependable troops with him to Nauvoo. They were in Carthage for trial to answer charges related to the destruction of a newspaper press, the Nauvoo Expositor. All other events at Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail are conducted in English only. William Daniels was a key prosecution witness and the publication of his account a few weeks before Carthage Conspiracy trial was a great benefit to the defense, who used it extensively to impeach Daniels during cross-examination. Ford then departs for Nauvoo that morning. Check in at the guest services desk in the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center when you arrive for language assistance. Carthage Jail is located at 310 Buchanan St, Carthage IL 62321, and is 22. Oct 21, 2024 · On September 21st, 2024, the Nauvoo Discovery Program participants started at the Nauvoo Visitor’s Center at 7 am to embark on the 21 miles to Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred by an angry mob on June 27th, 1844. Smith Orders the Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor The early 1840s were a time of growing tension between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers in Hancock County, Illinois. , Joseph Smith Jr. It was different this time. Governor Ford for his conduct regarding the debacle at Carthage Jail and in his handling of the church members in Illinois. (For us, the jail at Carthage, IL and the Precious Moments chapel in Carthage, MO were the spiritual highlights of the trip. Jun 28, 2019 · For many missionaries of the Nauvoo Illinois Mission, serving at Carthage Jail has deepened faith and strengthened testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He arrived that same evening and was the one who wrote the letter back to Nauvoo telling the Saints that their prophet and his brother Hyrum were dead. Smith and three other Mormon prisoners were held in Carthage Jail in an upstairs room without bars. We also loved our visit to this site and you can read about our visit here. On June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred—killed by a mob that attacked them in Carthage Jail located in Carthage, Illinois. At Carthage Jail, missionaries lead tours where visitors learn about the ministry According to Taylor and Richards, Dunklin promised to take Smith back to Nauvoo; however, he left Carthage without him. With her classic whimsical and calm style, she perfectly portrayed a lovely memory of what Carthage can mean for us today The park is a haven for those looking to escape into nature while staying close to Nauvoo’s historical charm. It takes more than a full day to visit Nauvoo. 976" N, 91º 19' 52. This was not a spontaneous or unexpected event—Joseph himself anticipated that he went “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Doctrine and Covenants 135:4) and had in fact feared for his life for at least several months, perhaps longer. Greene, (Nauvoo city marshal) told Governor Ford that if he went to Nauvoo, leaving only the Carthage Greys to guard the jail, that there was a conspiracy on foot to take the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith during his absence, to which the Governor replied, "Marshal Greene, you are too enthusiastic. The afternoon will be spent exploring Carthage Jail. Turley Jr. The mob first attempted to push the door open to fire into the room, though Smith and the other prisoners pushed back and prevented this. … Spencer McBride: On June 27, Joseph and Hyrum Smith awoke in the jail in Carthage, Illinois, at 5:30 in the The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were shot and killed while under the protection of the state of Illinois in Carthage Jail. S The original Nauvoo Temple had 30 sunstones. The martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch was devastating to the Latter-day Saints. Two days later, on June 27, a mob of armed men stormed the jail. Carthage, Ill. 3 The commonly believed reason for the removal of the garments was that they were removed in order to keep them from falling into the hands of their enemies Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and several other LDS leaders were incarcerated in Carthage Jail on June 25, 1844, to answer charges stemming from the destruction of the press used to print the anti-Mormon newspaper Nauvoo Expositor. Following increased opposition and the destruction of a printing press, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were taken to Carthage Jail. The Carthage Greys reportedly feigned defense of the jail by firing shots or blanks over the attackers’ heads, and some of the Greys even reportedly joined the mob, who rushed up the stairs. Aug 29, 2023 · Carthage Jail is about a half hour away from Nauvoo, Illinois. There are also large parking lots north of the Family Living Center (Pioneer Life Parking), at the far west end of Parley Street (Trail of Hope Parking), or to the southeast of Kimball and Main Streets near the Taylor Home Print Shop and Post Office (Main Street Trades Parking). Hill (University of Illinois Press, 1979). At 5:00 p. The two-story rectangular gable-front building is constructed of native red limestone and measures twenty-nine by thirty-five feet. 95" W. Joseph “sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so [did] his brother Hyrum. In the meantime the militia from Warsaw had marched north toward Golden’s Point and had been met “at the shanties” with the governor’s order to disband, and the news that the governor had left Carthage for Nauvoo and that the Smiths were still in Carthage Jail. Please call 1-877-399-3046 ahead of time to verify the availability of the tours. 331375, or 40º 23' 47. [95] Jun 29, 2015 · Joseph and Hyrum were in the jail at Carthage, Illinois, in June 1844. Jun 27, 2021 · They were in Carthage for trial to answer charges related to the destruction of a newspaper press, the Nauvoo Expositor. Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred, still stands not significantly changed in 160 years. Apr 12, 2014 · In addition to the numerous Mormon sites in Nauvoo proper, one of the most popular Mormon pilgrimage destinations is the Carthage Jail, approximately fifteen miles away, where Joseph Smith and his brother were killed. Wednesday – We’ll start our day with a memorable tour at the Carthage Jail. Lodging: Inn at Old Nauvoo. In 1846, Brigham Young and other leaders decided that the community should leave Illinois rather than risk further violence. I could feel the Spirit really strongly. Carthage Jail was built 1840-1842, and its 400 yards from the courthouse. Hymnbook John Taylor sang from in Carthage Jail. Carthage Jail was used as a jail for 25 years. Carthage Jail. John Taylor remembered that the reason why wine was called for at the Carthage Jail was "to revive us," and Alexander McRae reported alcohol being shared with the guards "in token of friendship" prisoners at Liberty Jail to calm tense nerves. It was a series of events that would lead Joseph and Hyrum Smith out of Nauvoo and to the county jail in Carthage, Illinois. about two hundred armed men with blackened faces stormed the two-story Carthage Jail, with the two Smiths, John Taylor, and Willard Richards remaining inside. During their three-day confinement they sought, through letters and personal appeals-even to the governor, then in Dec 14, 2024 · Joseph Smith’s brother Samuel had heard about the threats on Joseph’s life and was on his way to Carthage. ” 7. Depart Hannibal and arrive in Quincy for touring. ” Lodging – Nauvoo Condos. If you want to meet halfway between Nauvoo, IL and Carthage, IL or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 40. 331337, or 40º 23' 47. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred in jail in 1844. Display a picture of the Carthage Jail. As mob violence increased around Nauvoo, Brigham urged the Saints to complete the temple while still planning the exodus west. “It was a bonding moment between us and the early pioneers,” says Marjorie J. In April 1839, Joseph Smith, having escaped from a Missouri jail where he was being held on state treason charges, arrived in northwestern Illinois, near the banks of the Mississippi River, to join Mormons who had begun to Except for Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail, live virtual tours are limited to the individual or group signing up. Then travel to Nauvoo, IL and check in for a two-night stay. Nauvoo in 1844, a gathering place for the Saints on the Mississippi River May 7, 2017 · "The old jail in Carthage was the site of the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on June 27, 1844, by a mob of approximately 150 men. Jun 6, 2019 · Carthage Jail: Where it all began - See 49 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Carthage, IL, at Tripadvisor. The Homestead is the final resting place of the martyrs Joseph and Hyrum. 2 Of the four men who were in Carthage Jail at the time that Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed, three of them had removed their garments prior to leaving Nauvoo 2. You can also enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens, where a life-sized statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith pays tribute to the brothers. . News of the violent deaths of the two brothers shocked the Saints in Nauvoo. Mar 28, 2024 · They left Nauvoo traveling a road that ran directly from Nauvoo to Carthage, a distance of 16 miles. 10 June 1844 - Order to Destroy Nauvoo Expositor Press; 12 June 1844 - JS Arrested for Destroying Nauvoo Expositor Press; 18 June 1844 - JS Declared Martial Law in Nauvoo; 21–23 June 1844 - JS’s and Thomas Ford’s Letters Regarding Crisis; 23 June 1844 - JS Crossed Mississippi River to Evade Arrest; 24 June 1844 - JS Left Nauvoo for Carthage An arrest warrant, on the charge of inciting a riot resulting in the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor's press, is issued in Carthage for Joseph Smith. Shirt Hyrum wore in Carthage Jail. Jan 21, 2025 · Carthage Jail The site where Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, was killed by a mob. historic-nauvoo-website-4. , Dee. From 1839 to 1846, Nauvoo, Illinois, served as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Part of this condemnation comes because he was the governor of the state, he was in the same county when the martyrdom took place, and he had promised the Smiths safety in Carthage. The gun was most certainly needed. While in Carthage, Joseph was threatened numerous times. Kingdom of Nauvoo. Discover all that Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail have to offer, including travel information, learning resources, and virtual experiences. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and many others. And their confinement away from Nauvoo provided the church’s avowed enemies in the area the opportunity for violent action that they had long waited for. Statues of Joseph and Hyrum stand in front of Carthage Jail. On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were butchered by a mob in Carthage Jail. Show References . “Joseph and Hyrum are dead,” Willard Richards 3 (who survived the attack) wrote in a quick dispatch to the Saints They were trapped. City officials feared that Jun 13, 2023 · This episode describes the legal proceedings in Carthage, Illinois, on June 25, 1844, and the mob’s attack on Carthage Jail and murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith two days later. The jail is 34-by-28 foot stone building, and it two stories high with 2. Main Street Trades On June 27, 1844, they were mobbed and shot while confined at Carthage Jail in Hancock County, in western Illinois. You might like to take some evening photos of the Nauvoo Temple at night. Latter-day Saints mourned their deaths, and today Carthage Jail stands as a memorial to the brothers. Aug 30, 2001 · Even the coldest heart is moved by the events that took place in the Carthage Jail in June, 1844. Today, visit wonderfully restored homes and shops with senior missionaries to learn about day-to-day life in the 1840s with pioneer skills and faith. 2. The first was a dark, barred jail. The prison has two different types of cells. | Carthage, IL Old Carthage jail built in 1839, martyr site of latter-day saint movement founder, Joseph Smith, and his brother Hyrum. Jun 13, 2023 · This episode describes the legal proceedings in Carthage, Illinois, on June 25, 1844, and the mob’s attack on Carthage Jail and murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith two days later. The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were shot and killed while under the protection of the state of Illinois in Carthage Jail. 24, 1902 FOSTER WALKER, - It would be a long and, I presume, an uninteresting story to relate all I saw of the Mormons and know of their actions and that of the Antis; therefore I shall confine myself to what I know transpired on the day of the killing of the Prophet and Patriarch- that is Joseph and Hyrum Smith- by the mob, without entering into any kind of statements Aug 18, 2018 · The temple was half completed when Joseph Smith was assassinated in a Carthage jail cell on 27 June 1844. Read more about the Carthage Jail tour. This all comes from the first hand account of John Taylor. Include a trip to this pivotal location as you visit the historic sites of Nauvoo, and explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. Given the size of the historic buildings in Nauvoo, you will need to divide your larger group into smaller groups of approximately 10–15 individuals in order to participate in tours. One site that I was especially drawn to was the Joseph and Hyrum Smith Memorial directly in front of the Nauvoo temple. This time, they had come to their deaths, and the brothers knew it. Feb 3, 2007 · In 1988, Ted Cannon, then director of the Mormon Visitor Centers at Carthage and Nauvoo, told reporter Doug Schorpp that Carthage “…holds the same significance…as Calvary holds for Christians all over the world” (Journal Star, Peoria, IL, Sunday, June 26, 1988 D3). After a mob rushed the Carthage Jail and killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, the martyrs' bodies were transported back to Nauvoo, Illinois, in a pair of rough-hewn oak coffins. Mar 13, 2023 · If you are interested in visiting Carthage Jail while you visit Nauvoo, it is about 30 minutes away. He arrived that same evening and was the one who wrote the letter back to Nauvoo telling the Mormon Saints that their prophet and his brother Hyrum were dead. How he ended up going to jail, and what occurred while he was in prison. Tour Nauvoo and enjoy free time having dinner on your own. The Nauvoo Expositor was an anti-Mormon newspaper that slandered the Prophet and other Saints and called for the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter. JPG Jul 5, 2024 · CARTHAGE, Illinois — More than 1,200 people met on the lawn of the Historic Carthage Jail Visitors’ Center on Thursday, June 27, to mark the 180th anniversary of the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. " On June 10, 1844, Joseph Smith, who was the mayor of Nauvoo, and the Nauvoo city council ordered the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor and the press on which it was printed. Fawn Brodie claimed that Joseph Smith was panicking at Carthage Jail, and wrote an order to Jonathan Dunham (head of the Nauvoo legion), telling him to attack the jail and "save him at all costs" There is little good evidence from the extant documents that Joseph attempted to have the Nauvoo Legion rescue him. John Taylor chose to remain that fateful day at Carthage with Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Carthage Jail was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. After they had been prepared for burial, they laid in state in dining hall of the Mansion House, where as many as 10,000 people came to pay their final respect. Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail share foundational moments in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that continue to impact the Church today. left Nauvoo in 1846 to settle in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, now in the U. The bottom level was the home of the jailer, and you’ll receive a brief tour of his family’s quarters, as well as a little information about how they treated the prisoners. “Visiting these sites was a great spiritual experience. That dissent and the series of events it started is what we are talking about in this episode of Road to Carthage: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast. Notes Dec 17, 2018 · Carthage Jail Another reason Nauvoo is special to me, is because I have ancestors who lived there. On Monday, June 24, 1844, they stayed at Artois Hamilton’s hotel in Carthage. It was then converted into a But all sources are unanimous that an assassination happened that day. The early 1840s were a time of growing tension between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers in Hancock County, Illinois. In April 1839, Joseph Smith, having escaped from a Missouri jail where he was being held on state treason charges, arrived in northwestern Illinois, near the banks of the In the late afternoon on June 27, 1844, a mob craving its own frontier form of justice crept across an Illinois pasture and surrounded the jail at Carthage. Trouble 310 Buchanan St. 6 miles from Nauvoo. m. After deciding to surrender themselves, Joseph, Hyrum, and others, traveled to Carthage, Illinois, to stand trial. Governor Thomas Ford worried that the people of Nauvoo would attack the town of Carthage in retribution. The Carthage Jail is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tonight we enjoy a 7 p. Please call 1-877-399-3046 ahead of time to verify availability of tours, then check-in at the guest services desk in the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center when you arrive for language assistance. Feb 10, 2019 · Nauvoo—Carthage Jail Near Nauvoo. Live virtual tours of Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail are able to accommodate up to 300 devices, so you may be on a virtual tour with other people. On the morning of June 27, 1844, a friend of Smith visited him in jail and smuggled him a 6-shot pepper-box pistol for use if needed. Jun 11, 2009 · Within seconds two messengers bearing this order and the letter to Emma were off at a frantic gallop on the fifteen-mile trip to Nauvoo. entryway restored jail. During the governor's absence, a mob of between one hundred and two hundred armed men-many of them from the disbanded Warsaw militia-gathered in late afternoon, blackened their faces with mud and gunpowder, and then stormed the jail. Carthage Jail is a very big tourist attraction in the summer. Left to right: Willard Richards; Governor Thomas Ford; the Hamilton Hotel, a few blocks from Carthage Jail. REFERENCES Park, Benjamin E. Tags : Church History , Illinois Built in 1839, Carthage Jail was the first jail in Hancock County, Illinois. "I think there is at least a possibility of a Nauvoo Legion component to the claim of being one of Joseph's bodyguards. Lodging – Nauvoo Condos. Louis, they can be great sites to visit. On June 27, 1844, a mob shot and killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail. After being kept in a dungeon cell and a debtors’ cell, Joseph Smith and those accompanying him were eventually given the jailors bedroom as their quarters. The mob ran up this stairway in Carthage Jail to get to Joseph and his companions. Jan 1, 2016 · But in the late afternoon of June 27, 1844, a lynch mob stormed Carthage Jail and murdered them both. ” The following account was first published in the Nauvoo Neighbor in its May 7 and May 14, 1845 issues. Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail are places where important events occurred during the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … Jan 21, 2022 · There is the re-created Carthage Jail set, in which actors portray the contested events and Griffin is filmed speaking ardently about his hypothesis. There are homes of the Apostles, craftsmen and trade sites, and a number of stores, bakeries, and other businesses. A little more than 20 miles (32 km) from Nauvoo is the small community of Carthage. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred at Carthage Jail. Photo (2021) by Kenneth Mays. Sometime in the morning, Cyrus Wheelock visits Carthage Jail and gives Joseph Smith a six-shooter revolver. " Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and several other LDS leaders were incarcerated in Carthage Jail on June 25, 1844, to answer charges stemming from the destruction of the press used to print the anti-Mormon newspaper Nauvoo Expositor. performance of “Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo. Rapking, ’05, a history major from Lost Creek, W. Dec 5, 2024 · In June 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and and his brother Hyrum Smith were martyred at Carthage Jail. After a group lunch take a tour of Carthage Jail. The militia that had been mustered to Oct 11, 2018 · Illinois Governor Thomas Ford urged the brothers to come to Carthage and surrender to the authorities. Joseph and Hyrum Smith arrived at Carthage Jail on the evening of June 25, 1844, where they were imprisoned while awaiting trial on the charge of treason. Guests: David Grua, Richard E. Photo (2003) by Kenneth Mays. Today, the jail has been restored to its original condition, and visitors can tour the site and learn about the events that led to the Smith brothers’ tragic Apr 8, 2023 · On June 7, 1844, the same month that the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred in Carthage Jail, critics and enemies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published a libelous newspaper called the Nauvoo Expositor. Gov. Carthage Jail has two stories. Despite this tragic end, the legacy of Joseph Smith’s ministry endures. Carthage Jail in Nauvoo, Ill. Carthage Jail was originally built in 1839 from red limestone quarried nearby. Then you travel upstairs for a view of the prison. Carthage Jail is one of the most memorable stops on the Church History Trip for my family, the spirit in that location was evident from the moment we got out of the car, it feels somber and sacred. Joseph and the other men were in the upstairs room at the jail. Joseph’s persecutors conceived that his demise would be the Church’s demise and would immediately end “the Mormon question. On June 27, 1844, an armed mob attacked the Carthage jail that held Joseph and his brother Hyrum. Instead, they mourned and made preparations for the return of Joseph and Hyrum’s bodies to the city. After prophet and church founder Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were murdered by a mob at the Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844, Brigham Young became Joseph Smith’s successor. Little is remembered about what was discussed during that long afternoon in June 1844 between these leaders. ) Parking is available throughout Nauvoo. I’m your host, Spencer McBride. View of the jail following the removal of the big tree by the well. Photo (2015) by Kenneth Mays. Jun 27, 2019 · He decides to go to Nauvoo with a small number of troops and assigns the Carthage Greys (local militia) to guard Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage. To stand on the banks of the Mississippi river on February 4 th, the very anniversary of when the saints left Nauvoo is a thrilling experience. Jul 28, 2017 · Visit the restored Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith, the first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his brother Hyrum were murdered. " All other events at Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail are conducted in English only. June 10, 1844 The Nauvoo city council declared the Nauvoo Expositor a public nuisance and ordered its destruction. After the Martyrdom at Carthage Jail the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum Smith were carried in separate wagons to Nauvoo for burial. Photo (2009) by Kenneth Mays. Joseph Smith was 38 years old at the time of his death, and Hyrum was 44. The “martyrdom trail,” as it is known, takes a long The original Nauvoo Temple had 30 sunstones. Jun 27, 2023 · The final weeks of Joseph Smith’s life were dominated by the escalating tension and ongoing conflict between the Prophet and his enemies. Apr 28, 2021 · Like most Church historic sites across the United States, Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail closed in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began to alter life across the planet. In March, the Church acquired historic properties in Nauvoo from Community of Christ, including the Smith Family Homestead, the Mansion House, the Nauvoo House and the Red Brick Store. Historic Nauvoo Temple The Nauvoo Temple was a place of learning and revelation where the early Saints received ordinances which fulfilled promises the Lord had made in earlier revelations. Nov 1, 2017 · In 1844, right before Joseph Smith was taken to Carthage Jail, he declared martial law and several members of the Nauvoo Legion were activated. Right: This map shows the locations of Nauvoo, Carthage, and Plymouth. May 13, 2022 · A few other men accused of riot for the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor press accompanied Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith to Carthage, Illinois. “In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!” . Oaks and Marvin S. Joseph Smith’s brother Samuel had heard about the threats on Joseph’s life and was on his way to Carthage. The following biographical sketches of the five defendants in the Carthage Conspiracy trial of 1845 are drawn largely from Carthage Conspiracy: The Trial of the Accused Assassins of Joseph Smith, by Dallin H. Historical Significance: Carthage Jail is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Then continue your visit to the homes that belonged to Brigham Young, Heber C. Her natural love of barns and old buildings moved her to paint this serene & lovely setting of the Carthage Jail. Nov 10, 2022 · The governor ordered the local militia, the “Carthage Greys,” to guard the jail and dismissed rumors that the Carthage Greys had threatened Smith. Smith, may not be copied), Vilate Kimball wrote to her husband, Heber C. Kimball, “Every heart is filled with sorrow, and the very streets of Nauvoo seem to mourn Apr 8, 2019 · Carthage Jail in Carthage, Illinois was established as the Hancock County jail in 1839 for people convicted of minor offences including petty thievery and debtors. For the rest of the day, you can enjoy free time for shopping and tours of the restored homes. Jul 22, 2024 · Today, visitors can hear the story as they walk through the jail on a guided tour, and at the site’s visitor center. Location: Carthage Jail Visitors’ Center Learn how on June 27, 1844, a mob killed the Smith brothers. Above: The key to Carthage Jail. Halfway Point Between Carthage, IL and Nauvoo, IL. Jun 30, 2022 · On June 27, 1844, an angry mob killed church founder Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum at the old Carthage jail. Both Hyrum and Joseph Smith had pistols that had been smuggled in by friends. The Carthage Jail was built in 1839. The Jail is located on the NE corner of Fayette and Walnut Streets with parking on the south side. Carthage Jail with a new roof. Joseph and Hyrum were held in Carthage Jail pending trial and were guaranteed protection from mob violence by the governor of Illinois. After the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were taken to Carthage Jail (photo, left), then shot and killed on June 27, 1844 (above; Death of a Prophet, by Gary E. On the day of the Martyrdom, the Prophet’s brother Samuel rode on horseback to Carthage from Plymouth, where he lived at the time. Join one of our many Church History Tours as we visit Palmyra, Fayette, Susquehanna, Kirtland, Independence, Liberty Jail, Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Nauvoo, Carthage Jail, and so much more! Our Tours (801) 573-0357 May 15, 2018 · Several days earlier, the Prophet and others voluntarily went to Carthage, the county seat located about 20 miles southeast of Nauvoo, to answer charges of civil disturbance. Joseph and Hyrum returned and rode to Carthage to turn themselves in. Apr 6, 2021 · What to Expect When You Visit Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail Dec 6, 2024 · In June 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were martyred at Carthage Jail. The jail and its rooms are shown as the story unfolds. John P. On June 27, 2002, the church dedicated the rebuilt Nauvoo temple. The Smiths were in jail after destroying the press of a Nauvoo newspaper that criticized Joseph Smith. Oct 15, 2023 · Carthage Jail is located about 13 miles South East of Nauvoo, 23 miles on State 96 and US 136. 5 On June 27, 1844, a mob, spurred by vigilante justice, stormed the Carthage Jail, 1 which held the Prophet Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum, 2 and two associates. While the brothers were awaiting trial, an armed mob stormed the building and killed the two men. Va. Across the fields of western Illinois, there is a little-known trail, which follows the footsteps of the prophet Joseph Smith as he left Nauvoo for the last time, and rode 21 miles to his eventual death at the hands of a mob at Carthage Jail. Hinckley on June 27, 2002 at 5:00pm--the 158th anniversary of the day, and hour, that Joseph and Hyrum were killed at Carthage. "I am going like a lamb to the slaughter," the Prophet Joseph Smith had stated when he left his beloved Nauvoo, Illinois, that morning, in the company of 25 of his faithful brethren of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sep 23, 2015 · Solemn reflections today, as we visited Carthage Jail, due east of Nauvoo, and particularly as we sat in the room where Joseph and Hyrum They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June Mar 21, 2021 · June 23, 1844, Letter from Joseph (Safety, Iowa) to Emma (Nauvoo) June 25, 1844, Letter from Joseph (Carthage Jail) to Emma (Nauvoo) June 27, 1844, Letter from Joseph (Carthage Jail) to Emma (Nauvoo) June 27, 1844. From Main Street trades, the founding of the Relief Society, and the martyrdom at Carthage Jail, there are many things to learn about the history of Nauvoo. The property was sold to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1938 and is now open to visitors. and his brother Hyrum were murdered in Carthage Jail in Illinois by an armed mob. Favored by pleasant summer evening weather, the gathering audience was treated to stirring music from Nauvoo Performing Missionaries. Jun 26, 2023 · Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2019. The statue depicts the Prophet and his brother on horseback looking over Nauvoo as they ride to Carthage jail. 4. Historic Nauvoo Illinois and Carthage Jail Discover all that Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail have to offer, including travel information, learning resources, and virtual experiences. Learn more about the Church’s foundations and its faithful members who gathered to and built up the city of Nauvoo. If you are planning on staying for a week or so and flying in and out of St. Two large lots are available at the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center. Lunch will be on your own today. Mar 15, 2023 · Carthage Jail is located about 20 miles from Nauvoo and is another important historical site for visitors to the area. It was an opportunity that they had, in fact, orchestrated. Mansfield, MO is where Laura Ingles Wilder lived when she wrote her books. No one expected the closure to last as long as it did. Calm At Carthage - Carthage Jail - By Kate Cristy: When Kate visited Carthage and Nauvoo during 2011. When we speak of the mob that killed Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail, we sometimes forget that each of these men had names and lives. Explain to the students that on June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, who was the Patriarch to the Church, were martyred in this jail in Carthage, Illinois. It was the last journey that Joseph and Hyrum would ever make. Tours begin at the Visitors’ Center with an 18-minute film on Joseph Smith’s life. the cell. You will silently revel in the spirit of Carthage Jail and the sacred homestead of the Smith Family graveyard. Nauvoo Temple The Nauvoo Temple was a place of learning and revelation where the early Saints received ordinances which fulfilled promises the Lord had made in earlier revelations. Jan 28, 2025 · Historic Nauvoo (Nauvoo, Illinois) The crown jewel of the Church History sites is Nauvoo. A tipping point came on June 10, 1844, when the Nauvoo City Council ordered the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor, a newspaper that was critical of Joseph Smith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On June 27, 1844, at approximately 5:16 p. Carthage Jail, where the Prophet and the Patriarch were murdered, is now itself owned by the Church and has become Feb 17, 2023 · The Know. In June 1844, Smith came to the jail to face charges relating to his ordering the destruction of facilities producing the Nauvoo Expositor, a newspaper whose only edition had been critical of the Smiths' religious teachings. The jail keepers family actually lived on site which is why the building contained a kitchen, dining room, and then on the second floor a single bedroom. Turn left after Hardee’s (on the right) –Continue to follow State Hwy 94N; Turn left onto E Co Rd 1800; After about 9 miles Turn right onto N Co In response to the resolution issuing from Carthage, Smith wrote to Governor Thomas Ford inviting him to come to Nauvoo to help resolve the growing controversy and met with the Nauvoo Legion instructing them to resist if a mob of anti-Mormons attacked the town. I loved being able to bring my kids back somewhere fun where they not only learned about how America looked in the 1800s, but where they can learn about their family history as well. bqaqmhr cqblgx iivn gadpijv ptgrnqt mienvq zdyq omxb qgfq mwwozch tnmciq kazy lovv zid odng