Nauvoo: Day 1

Jeff and I dedicated two days to exploring Nauvoo (and Carthage). We wanted to make sure that we didn't feel rushed and that we would be able to truly experience the spirit of that sacred place of sacrifice. We started our exploration at Carthage, Illinois, where the prophet Joseph Smith was killed. In June 1844, he was falsely accused of treason and imprisoned while awaiting trial. He was acquitted of the original charges, but his opponents brought new charges for which Joseph (and a few others) had to return to jail to await a new trial. It was during that time that a mob formed, forced their way into the jail, and fatally shot the prophet and his brother, Hyrum Smith. Jeff and I arrived at the jail around 9:00 a.m. No one else was there. We were able to walk the grounds and see the window from which Joseph fell after being shot before anyone else arrived. There was a somber, sacred feeling on those grounds. Here a prophet of God was murdered. Here a just man was killed. Here a witness of Christ sealed his testimony with his blood. While waiting to tour the inside of the jail, I was able to ponder the significance of this place and the life of the prophet. There are times when, even I, marvel at the claims that Joseph Smith received a vision in which he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. How could that be? He was 14 years old at the time; yet, as I have taken the time to pray and ponder about everything that happened since that remarkable vision, I know he saw what he saw. I know he was chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth, I know that all the early members of the church knew that was true as well and they suffered all kinds of injustices while maintaining their faith. Being at Carthage only confirmed that knowledge. I can't describe the feelings I felt as I toured the jail and heard the story again, but I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know this is Christ's church restored on the earth. I am grateful for the sacrifice of my early ancestors to bring this gospel to light. I have relied on my faith to get me through my struggles and trials just as I was taught to do by my ancestors of old.

This was the room Joseph was in when he was shot. He fell out that window onto the ground below by the well.

After we toured the jail, we headed to Nauvoo. Both days we spent in Nauvoo were rainy and a bit cold, but that didn't stop us from enjoying our time there. Since it was still raining when we got there, we decided to do a covered wagon and carriage ride around Nauvoo. Missionaries drove a team of horses around and narrated the stories of the pioneer days of Nauvoo. I think it was a great way to start our own personal tour of Nauvoo.

Once we finished the wagon and carriage ride, we set out on our own to explore some of the locations we were introduced to on the rides. We started by visiting the Seventies Hall. This was the first "missionary training center". It was in this building that some of the men would meet to learn about languages, culture, and how to share the gospel with other people. Now many of these building had been destroyed over time so the existing structures are replicas of what was rather than the actual building. Still there were a few buildings that were original or that parts were original. The Seventies Hall was not an original building but it was cool to think that it was in this place that my third great grandfather came to study. In fact, I found his name recorded in a book in that building! 

From the Seventies Hall, we walked down the Trail of Hope. This was the street that led to the river where they crossed. Along the walk were several plaques with accounts of the time of the exodus. Many of the accounts were poignant and sad, but all had a hint of optimism and faith.

Sometimes I can catch Jeff in a picture. Here he is with one of the horses they use in the carriage rides. The Seventies Hall is in the background.

Statue of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith with a map of the west overlooking the river.

A replica of the rafts that carried the wagons across the river.

The view of the river looking towards Iowa.

The rest of the day we wandered through a couple other sites. We visited a grove of trees where they held early church meetings (before the temple was built). We also visited a blacksmith shop and learned how they made the wagons. We toured the Red Brick store where Joseph had an office and wherein the Relief Society (an organization for the women of the church) was organized. We then went next door and saw the burial place of Joseph and Hyrum Smith as well as their parents and Joseph's wife, Emma, which was adjacent to the home where Joseph and Emma lived. We also visited the Lands and Records building and discovered where Charles Shumway owned land. We drove over to those sites before having dinner at Hotel Nauvoo. We ended our evening at the Cultural Hall (the building where they would have meetings and cultural celebrations) where the senior missionary couples put on a musical show about life in Old Nauvoo. It was pretty funny and a great way to end the day!

The Red Brick Store

Joseph's and Emma's house

Cultural Hall