Susquehanna RiverGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
John the Baptist
conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and
Oliver Cowdery, after which Joseph recounted that John the
Baptist "commanded us to go and be baptized. . . . I
baptized [Oliver Cowdery] first, and afterwards he
baptized me" (History of the Church, 1:39).
Far West Temple SiteGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
The Saints gathered at
this spot on July 4, 1838, to celebrate the nation's
independence and lay the foundation for a temple according
to God's commandment. "The order of the day was splendid,"
wrote Joseph Smith (History of the Church, 3:41).
Grandin BuildingGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907In June 1829 Joseph Smith and others first approached Egbert Bratt Grandin about printing the Book of Mormon. After initially rejecting the commision on moral and religious grounds, he later agreed to print 5,000 copies of the book for $3,000.Carthage JailUnknown, circa 1865
Built
1840–1841, the 34-by-28 foot Carthage Jail held
the Prophet and his companions behind brick walls two and a
half feet thick. Being situated 400 yards northwest�of the
courthouse, the jail was on the outskirts of town at the
time of the Martyrdom.
The Sacred GroveGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907"Seth T. Chapman, who claimed to be a boyhood friend of Joseph Smith, purchased what had been the Smith farm. He later told his son William that he had never touched an ax to the trees in the woodlot on the west end of the farm because Joseph had identified this area as the place where he had beheld his vision" ("The Sacred Grove" Ensign, April 1990, 16).Hill CumorahGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
In describing the
Hill Cumorah, Oliver Cowdery said: "The north end rose
suddenly from the plain, forming a promontory without
timber, but covered with grass. . . . To the south you
soon came to scattering timber . . . enough to cause a
shade in summer" (Oliver Cowdery, "Letter 8,"
Latter-day Saint Messenger and Advocate,
Oct. 1835, 195–96).
Newel K. Whitney HomeGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907Elizabeth Whitney said: "My husband brought [Joseph and Emma] directly to our own house; we were more than glad to welcome them and share with them all the comforts and blessings we enjoyed. I remarked to my husband that this was the fulfillment of the vision we had seen of a cloud as of glory resting upon our house" ("A Left from an Autobiography," Woman's Exponent, Sept. 1, 1878, 51).Joseph Smith's Red Brick StoreB. H. Roberts Collection, circa 1885
Here Joseph wrote
a letter to the editor of a Chicago newspaper
containing a brief history of the Church and a 13-statement
declaration of beliefs now known as the Articles of
Faith.
Nauvoo HouseB. H. Roberts Collection, circa 1885
The Lord commanded the
Saints to build an inn, the Nauvoo House, where visitors
could stay and learn the gospel. Construction began in
October 1841, across the street from the Smith homestead.
A Creek by the Smith Family FarmGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907After the Smiths left the area, other owners continued to work the farm.Kirtland Temple and Surrounding CountryGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
Frederick G.
Williams described the origin of the Kirtland Temple design.
"We [the First Presidency] went upon our knees, called on
the Lord, and the Building appeared within viewing
distance. . . . After we had taken a good look at the
exterior, the building seemed to come right over us,"
and they viewed the interior details (Quoted in Truman O.
Angell, Autobiography. 1884, 14–15, Church
Archives; see also D&C 95:15).
Smith HomesteadB. H. Roberts Collection, circa 1885
The Homestead
grew with time. The east side of the building (right)
pre-dated the arrival of Joseph Smith to Nauvoo. In 1840,
Joseph added a north room and in 1858, Joseph Smith
III added the western section (left).
Road to the Sacred GroveGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
This road leads
from the Smith home to the edge of the trees now known as
the Sacred Grove. During his youth, Joseph would have
traveled this road often.
Newel K. Whitney StoreGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907Here the First Presidency was organized. "I laid my hands on Brothers Sidney [Rigdon] and Frederick [G. Williams], and ordained them to take part with me in holding the keys of this last kingdom, and to assist in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, as my Counselors" (History of the Church, 1:334).Smith Frame HomeGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
The Smith frame
home experienced many changes both in ownership and
physical appearance until George Albert Smith purchased the
home and 100-acre farm in 1907 under the direction of
President Joseph F. Smith. It was restored to its
original condition in 2000.
Joseph Smith HomeGeorge Edward Anderson, 1907Because Isaac Hale was not permitted to view the plates, Joseph and Emma were obliged to leave the Hale home. They purchased a home and a 13-acre parcel of land from Isaac. The center portion of this building was the Prophet's home.Nauvoo Temple and Surrounding CityCharles Carter, circa 1846
After the
Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, construction of the
temple stopped briefly. Brigham Young, President of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "inquired of the
Lord whether we should stay here and finish the
Temple. The answer was we should" (Office filer, Journal,
1837 July 27–1845 Apr. 1, entry for Jan. 24, 1845, Church
Archives).
Peter Whitmer FarmGeorge Edward Anderson, circa 1907
Due to heavy persecution
in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
traveled with David Whitmer here to the Peter Whitmer farm.
Joseph's wife, Emma, came shortly thereafter.
|
