Places of the Time
Sample Places
This sample directory provides geographical descriptions of some of the places mentioned in The Joseph Smith Papers. Each volume of The Joseph Smith Papers will provide geographical descriptions like these for places mentioned in the volume. In addition, this website will ultimately provide a comprehensive geographical directory for all the volumes, including a listing of sources from which each description was compiled. These geographical directories will include town and village, county and state, landform and waterway, except for nonspecific or unidentifiable references such as “prairie” or “the creek.”
A complete political location begins each entry. General items of information are provided, such as municipal history, population, and distinctive natural environments, as well as details more particular to the significance of the place within Joseph Smith's papers. The treatment of places varies according to their significance to the volumes. Unless otherwise noted, all places are within the United States of America in the 1830s and 1840s.
In many instances, it is not clear whether municipal places mentioned in The Papers refer to proper towns or villages or to a general community area and outlying residences within a township of the same name. When texts are ambiguous, the directory references the township but notes formal municipal units within the township bearing the same name.
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Adam-ondi-Ahman,
Grand River Township, Daviess County, Missouri39°58' 31"N 93°59' 07"WOriginally an unlocated area in Missouri that revelations designated as the place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving the Garden of Eden (D&C [1835], 3:28–29; also Revelation, March 1832, as published in D&C [1835], 75:3). Town of Spring Hill identified by JS as Adam-ondi-Ahman and name changed. Latter-day Saint nickname “ Diahmon.” Situated on east bluffs of Grand River. JS and others sought new areas in Daviess County for settlement. They surveyed Adam-ondi-Ahman in May 1838. JS announced area as gathering place for Saints, May 1838. Large groups of Saints, many from Kirtland, began settling, June 1838. Connected to Far West by way of county seat, Gallatin, on road built by Saints. Soon became main LDS settlement in Daviess County. Stake organized, 28 June 1838. Under pressure from vigilantes, Mormon settlers from outlying areas of Daviess County took refuge here. As population of four hundred grew to over a thousand, houses filled to overflowing and many lived in tents and wagons. Responding to threats against Far West, able-bodied men in Adam-ondi-Ahman served in Caldwell County militia, late October. After surrender of Far West, state militia arrived at Adam-ondi-Ahman and gave Mormons ultimatum, 10 November 1838: evacuate county within ten days, or remain, unarmed and unprotected, subject to vigilante retaliation. Town almost completely abandoned by 20 November 1838. Offered at public sale and purchased by local residents, 24 November 1838.
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Caldwell County, Missouri39°39'N 93°58'W
Described in 1886 as "one-third timber and two-thirds prairie." Much of terrain cut deeply by creeks. Missouri state legislature created county exclusively for Latter-day Saints in attempt to solve "Mormon problem." Major Mormon immigration followed organization on 29 December 1836. Summer 1838 population around 5,000 with at least 19 Mormon settlements. Expansion of Mormon settlements beyond county brought conflict between Saints and other Missourians that escalated into violence committed by both groups. Governor Lilburn W. Boggs ordered that Saints be exterminated or driven from state, October 1838. State militia arrested and imprisoned JS and other LDS leaders and forced remaining Saints to leave. Almost all Caldwell County Saints had evacuated by spring 1839. 1840 population less than 1,500.
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Clay County, Missouri39°19'N 94°24'W
European Americans, largely Kentuckians, settled about 1800. County organized from Ray County, 1822. Originally included land now part of several surrounding counties. 1830 population about 5,000. 1836 population about 8,500. 1840 population about 8,300. Refuge for Latter-day Saints driven out of Jackson County, 1833. 1834 LDS population about 1,200. Citizens demanded Saints leave, summer 1836. Most Saints emigrated to newly formed Caldwell County by 1838. During Mormon-Missourian conflict in Caldwell County, militia from Clay County assembled to combat Mormons but did not fight. JS spent winter 1838–1839 in jail at county seat, Liberty.
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Commerce (now Nauvoo), Hancock County, Illinois40°32'13"N 91°22'47"W
European Americans settled, 1820s. Located just above first chain of rapids on Mississippi River. From bank of river, several feet above high water mark, ground described as nearly leveled for six or seven blocks, when it gradually sloped sixty to seventy feet (18–21 m) up to what would later be temple block. After this ascent, ground level and continued into the prairie. Laid out 1834. Known as town, 1837. Adjacent town, Commerce City, laid out 1837; both square with shore of river, as opposed to later east-west orientation of Nauvoo plat. Described in 1837 as having two stores, one grocery, and twelve or fifteen families. Panic of 1837 created buyers' market for land at Commerce and Commerce City. Latter-day Saints who resided at Quincy after expulsion from Missouri planned settlement in area and began purchasing large tracts of land including Commerce City and part of Commerce, 1839. JS moved with his family to Commerce, May 1839, into log house on bank of river. When post office changed from Commerce to Nauvoo in 1840, entire area became known as Nauvoo.
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Daviess County, Missouri 39°57'N 93°59'W
Created from Ray County, December 1836. Described in 1874 as “equally divided between gently rolling prairie and fine timber lands.” European Americans settled 1830. Sparsely inhabited until 1838. Small number of Mormons settled by 1837. JS led expedition into county to survey possible future settlements for Latter-day Saints, May 1838. Significant Mormon settlements in county were Adam-ondi-Ahman, Marrowbone, Honey Creek, and Lick Fork. As LDS population of county grew, so did antagonism of neighboring Missourians who feared that Saints would soon dominate the county. On election day, candidate William Peniston denounced right of Saints to vote and instigated violence, 6 August 1838. Latter-day Saints defended themselves. JS and others traveled to county to help Saints. They visited Daviess justice of the peace Adam Black to insist that Saints be protected in their civil rights. Black made affidavit that his life had been threatened, and Peniston filed a complaint, in response to which JS and Lyman Wight appeared at preliminary hearing in county, September 1838. Vigilantes from neighboring counties joined Daviess residents to harass and intimidate Saints in county. Anticipating attack, Saints made preemptory strike, plundering and burning in Millport and Gallatin, settlements known to harbor vigilantes. Responding to reports of Mormon depredations, Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs ordered state militia to the area; and upon learning of battle between Caldwell and Ray county militias at Crooked River he quickly issued new order to exterminate Saints or drive them from state, October 1838. Ultimatum given essentially compelling all Saints to leave county, early November. Many moved to Caldwell County, where they stayed until moving to Illinois and Iowa, winter–spring 1839. 1840 population about 2,800.
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De Witt, Grand River (now in De Witt) Township,
Carroll County, Missouri 39°23'01"N 93°13'00"WLocated on bluffs north of Missouri River, about eight miles (13 km) above mouth of Grand River. First settled 1821. Laid out with name Elderport, 1836. Name changed to De Witt when acquired by land speculators David Thomas and Henry Root, 1837, who later interested church leaders in its strategic location. Though 70 miles (112.6 km) from Far West, provided port at confluence of Grand and Missouri rivers for importing goods needed by Latter-day Saints in northern Missouri and for exporting their farm products. Latter-day Saints from Ohio began moving into area, July 1838. Saints faced sustained opposition on arrival. Vigilantes besieged Saints in De Witt in attempt to expel them from area, 1 October 1838. Saints surrendered residency, 11 October 1838. About four hundred Saints abandoned homes and property. Missouri River, which flowed near De Witt in 1830s, now flows more than a mile east of town.
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Far West, Rockford (now in Mirabile) Township, Caldwell County, Missouri 39°40'16"N 94°07'53"W
Town site purchased 1836, before Caldwell County was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. Originally Missouri church presidency counselors William W. Phelps and John Whitmer held land in trust for church. Warren Foote described town site as “high rolling prairie” between Shoal and Goose creeks. Had 150 houses by 1838. During Latter-day Saint period, population as high as about 3,000–5,000. Foote described homes as “very scattering, and small, being chiefly built of hewed logs.” Had four dry goods stores, three family groceries, six blacksmith shops, two hotels, a printing office (where Elders' Journal was printed), and at least two schoolhouses. Temple planned; cornerstones laid, 4 July 1838. Caldwell County seat until 1842. JS's home from 14 March 1838 until his arrest and incarceration on 31 October 1838. As headquarters of LDS church, was center of Mormon activity in Missouri. Site of surrender of Saints and arrest of JS and other leaders, late October and early November, after Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued order to exterminate Saints or drive them from state. Leaders were sent to jail at Liberty, Missouri, and remaining Saints were forced to leave state.
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Gallatin, Honey Creek (now in Union) Township,
Daviess County, Missouri 39°54'54"N 93°57'43"WLaid out and planned as county seat, 1837, and was considered as such, but designation not official until 1841. Incorporated as town, 1851. Incorporated as city, 1857. 1860 population about 450. Several Latter-day Saints attempted to vote at Gallatin but were attacked by local Missourians, 6 August 1838. Launching preemptive strike against local anti-Mormon vigilantes, Saints burned and plundered in Gallatin, October 1838. History of Daviess County, Missouri, 12; William Peniston, Daviess County, MO, to Lilburn Boggs, 21 October 1838; Adam Black, affidavit, undated; Wiley C. Williams and Amos Rees to John B. Clark, 25 October 1838; B. M. Lisle, Jefferson, MO, to John B. Clark, 26 October 1838..
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Geauga County, Ohio 41°30'N 81°10'W
First settled 1798. Created from Trumbull County, 1805. Soil described in 1833 as “tolerably well watered, but heavily timbered.” Settled largely by New Englanders. 1830 population about 16,000. County seat Chardon. Formation of new counties, including Lake, reduced original boundaries. Lake County was formed from Geauga's seven northern townships, including Kirtland, 1840. Latter-day Saints operated under Geauga County jurisdiction during their stay in Kirtland, often traveling to Chardon for legal and other business.
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Grand River, Missouri and Iowa Territory (now State) 39°23'N 93°06'W
Grand River valley described in 1837 as "fertile, well-timbered country, that is beginning to attract emigrants, and is now settling very fast." Lyman Wight built cabin along river at future site of Adam-ondi-Ahman, February 1838. JS and others surveyed land near river for future Mormon settlement, May 1838. Described in 1839 as "navigable for small vessels." Farming along river caused heavy silting, making navigation increasingly difficult, and by 1870 navigation in Daviess County, Missouri, had entirely ceased.
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Hancock County, Illinois 40°31'N 91°09'W
Formed from Pike County, 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” 1830 population about 480. 1835 population about 3,200. 1840 population about 9,900. Early settlers mainly from middle and southern states. Included Commerce and Nauvoo, where Latter-day Saints eventually reestablished themselves, 1839–1846, following expulsion from Missouri, 1838. Saints also settled in several other communities throughout Hancock County. JS shot and killed at jail in county seat, Carthage, 1844.
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Iowa Territory (now state) 42°N 96°W
Organized as territory containing all present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota, 1838. 1840 population about 43,000. Several Mormon communities established in Iowa across Mississippi River from Commerce and Nauvoo, Illinois, especially communities within Zarahemla stake, centered at Montrose, 1839 and early 1840s. 1841 population of Zarahemla stake about 750, but stake then reduced to branch as most Latter-day Saints moved to Commerce. JS visited Iowa, April–May and July 1839.
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Jackson County, Missouri 39°01'N 94°21'W
Described as originally containing half timber and half prairie. Settled, 1808, at Fort Osage, a defensive military base and Native American trading post. Organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Contained fertile lands along Missouri River as well as Santa Fe Trail entrepot, attracting immigration from other parts of state. 1830 population about 2,700. Size reduced considerably in 1833 by creation of Van Buren and Bates counties from southern portion. 1836 population about 4,500. 1840 population about 7,600. JS appointed missionaries to proselytize among Native Americans living west of Missouri, autumn 1830. Latter-day Saints first entered Jackson County, January 1831. JS revelation of July 1831 designated Independence as "the center place" of Zion, where Saints would gather and build temple, and instructed Saints to buy up land in Independence and westward to the border of the county/state. Saints purchased land and settled in Independence and along Big Blue River. 1832 Mormon population about 810. Summer 1833 Mormon population about 1,200. Mob violence erupted as increasing numbers of Saints entered Missouri, July 1833. Earlier settlers forcibly expelled Saints from county by November. Most displaced Saints settled across Missouri River in Clay County. JS led group of Saints on Zion's Camp expedition in failed effort to redeem Mormon lands in Jackson County, summer 1834.
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Kirtland, Kirtland Township,
Geauga (now in Lake) County, Ohio 41°37'45"N 81°21'42"WSettled 1810. Township organized 1817. Kirtland community not incorporated until twentieth century. Governance during Mormon period at township level. 1831 population in Kirtland Township about 70 Latter-day Saints and 1,100 others. 1838 population about 2,000 Saints and 1,200 others. 1839 population about 100 Saints and 1,500 others. Sidney Rigdon, then Reformed Baptist preacher, found much success in area and had following there, beginning 1826. Many of his followers joined LDS church when missionaries came, 1830. Church membership grew quickly, and Kirtland community became headquarters of church as well as JS's home, 1832. Kirtland organized as “stake of Zion,” with presidency, bishopric, and high council. Temple built, 1833–1836. JS and other Saints participated in School of the Prophets as well as other schools devoted to wide variety of subjects including Hebrew. Latter-day Saint press in Kirtland published newspapers, hymnal, second edition of Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. Rapid immigration of Saints posed difficulty for both Saints and others. With increased demand for land in Kirtland, prices rose. Need for capital led to establishment of Kirtland Safety Society, but failure to obtain a state charter led to failure of bank. Under threats from dissidents and outside antagonists, JS and other church leaders fled Kirtland fearing for their lives, early 1838. Other loyal Saints followed.
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Liberty, Liberty Township, Clay County, Missouri 39°14'46"N 94°25'13"W
Settled mainly by Kentuckians, 1820s. Incorporated as town, 1829. Clay County seat. Described in 1837 as having 14 stores and four groceries. After expulsion from Jackson County, many Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay County, 1833. During expulsion of Mormons from Missouri, 1838, JS spent winter 1838–1839 at jail in Liberty.
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Manchester Township, Ontario County, New York 42°58'N 77°13'W
Settled 1793. Formed 1821. 1830 population about 2,800. Smith family farm in northwest corner of township, 1819–1829. JS experienced his first vision of deity in woodland on or near family's township property, 1820. JS claimed that in 1823 an angel appeared to him and told him about golden plates buried in hill in Manchester Township, about three miles (5 km) from Smith home. JS visited hill, now known as Hill Cumorah, annually 1823–1827, until he obtained plates and began translation of Book of Mormon. Family left area, late 1830.
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Missouri 38°25'N 92°30'W
Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. Established as territory, 1812. Thousands immigrated, mainly from South. Missouri Compromise, 1820, allowed Missouri into Union as slave state, 1821. 1830 population about 140,000. 1836 population about 240,000. 1840 population about 380,000. JS revelation designated vicinity of Independence, Jackson County, as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saints immigrated to Jackson County area as early as 1831. Whereas most Missouri immigrants were from the western frontier of the American South, most Saints immigrated from Northeast. Regional and cultural differences caused tension and eventually violence. Saints driven from Jackson County to Clay and other counties in state, 1833. Clay County citizens demanded Saints leave county, 1836, and Missouri state legislature created Caldwell County specifically for Saints. JS moved to Far West in Caldwell County, which became new church headquarters, 1838. Saints expanded northward into Daviess County. Conflict in Daviess and Carroll counties escalated to point that Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued order to exterminate Saints or drive them from state. JS was arrested, late 1838, and incarcerated through winter in jail at Liberty, Clay County, while Saints were driven from state.
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Montrose Township, Lee County, Iowa Territory 40°31'N 91°25'W
Created 1841. Included Montrose town. Fort Des Moines established on or near Montrose town, 1836. Several Latter-day Saints settled in township after being driven from Missouri, 1838–1839. Center of Zarahemla stake formed while Saints headquartered at Nauvoo.
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New York 43°00'N 75°00'W
Admitted as state, 1788. 1805 population about 770,000. 1830 population about 1,900,000. 1835 population about 2,200,000. 1840 population about 2,400,000. Relatively heavy population due to European immigration to United States through harbor of New York City, the largest city in U.S. Canals, particularly Erie Canal completed in 1825, escalated inland mercantilism. Western New York known as “Burnt-over District” during JS's early lifetime due to numerous religious revivals of Second Great Awakening. Smith family lived in New York, 1816–1831. JS married in South Bainbridge (now Afton), New York, 1827. Book of Mormon published in Palmyra, 1830. LDS church organized, Fayette, 1830. Three main branches of church in 1830 at Fayette, Manchester, and Colesville. Latter-day Saints emigrated, 1831. JS traveled through New York in 1833, 1834, 1836, and 1837.
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Ohio 40°15'N 82°45'W
French exploration, 1669. British possession following French and Indian War (1754–1763), 1763. Ceded to U.S., 1783. Permanent settlement, 1788. Admitted as state, 1803. 1830 population about 940,000. 1840 population about 1,500,000. Mormon missionaries appointed to proselytize among Native Americans living west of Missouri preached in Western Reserve of northeastern Ohio, October 1830. After Reformed Baptist preacher Sidney Rigdon and many of his congregants joined LDS church, JS dictated revelation that “the Ohio” would be first formal gathering place of newly organized church. JS's home and church headquarters, 1831–1838.
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Palmyra Township, Wayne County, New York 43°03'N 77°13'W
First permanent white settlement, circa 1789. 1810 population about 2,100. 1830 population about 3,400. Joseph Smith Sr. family lived in or near Palmyra, 1816–1830. JS had 5,000 copies of Book of Mormon printed at E. B. Grandin printing office on Main Street in Palmyra village, 1829–1830. Printing financed by Palmyran Martin Harris, who mortgaged half his 300-acre (121-hectare) farm located just north of village to pay for it. Smith family left Palmyra Township, late 1830.
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Quincy, Adams County, Illinois 39°56'08"N 91°24'53"W
Located on bluffs of Mississippi River. Settled 1822. Incorporated 1839. Adams County seat. 1837 population about 600. 1840 population about 2,300. Important manufacturing and shipping center west of Chicago because of river port. Mormon exiles from Missouri suffering from hunger and exposure, including JS's family, found refuge in Quincy, winter 1838–1839. JS arrived in Quincy after escape from imprisonment, late April 1839. Upon arrival, JS immediately began searching for new Mormon gathering place and soon planned for settlement upriver in area of Commerce, Illinois. JS and family moved to Commerce (later Nauvoo), May 1839, followed by other Saints.
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Ray County, Missouri 39°21'N 93°59'W
Created from Howard County, 1820. Initially included all Missouri land north of Missouri River and west of Grand River. Seat of fifth judicial circuit court. County seat Richmond. 1830 population about 2,600. 1836 population about 6,600. 1840 population about 6,600. Latter-day Saints forcibly driven from homes in Jackson County crossed Missouri River and took refuge in Clay and Ray counties, 1833. Caldwell County militia clashed with Ray County militia at Crooked River in unorganized territory attached to Ray County, in attempt to rescue LDS prisoners, 25 October 1838. JS and other Saints incarcerated and attended preliminary hearing in Richmond to answer charges connected with Mormon-Missourian conflict, November 1838.
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Richmond, Richmond Township, Ray County, Missouri 39°16'42"N 93°58'35"W
Settled 1827. Ray County seat. Described in 1837 as having seven stores. 1843 population about 500. As seat of fifth judicial circuit court of Missouri, Richmond also had courthouse and jail. JS and other Latter-day Saints were incarcerated and attended preliminary hearing in Richmond to answer charges connected with Mormon-Missourian conflict, November 1838.
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Spring Hill (later Adam-ondi-Ahman),
Grand River Township, Daviess County, Missouri39°58' 31"N 93°59' 07"WResponding to land shortage in Far West, JS and others traveled to Daviess County to find new areas for settlement. They surveyed lands near home and ferry of Latter-day Saint Lyman Wight. Apparently named after the hill on which it was platted, which contained one or more springs. Name changed to Adam-ondi-Ahman, 1838. Became principal Mormon settlement in Daviess County.
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