Nauvoo in Hancock County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Homestead
This two-story, two-room log block house was located on the original 135 acres purchased from local farmer Hugh White and may date to 1803. Joseph Smith moved here in the spring of 1839 with his wife Emma; sons Joseph III, Frederick Granger Williams, and Alexander; and adopted daughter Julia. With the addition of a large room on the north side of the structure in 1840 this home became, for a time, the center of community life in Nauvoo. According to Joseph III, "Father's home in Nauvoo was generally overrun with visitors. There was scarcely a Sunday in ordinary weather that the house and yard were not crowded — the yard with teams and the house with callers."
In 1858 a two-story addition was added to the west side of the house by Joseph Smith III and he lived here with his family until 1866. Joseph III served as justice of the peace during part of that time. While living here he also became president and profit of the Reorganized Church, a position he held from 1860 to 1914.
Erected 2003 by Community of Christ.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.
Location. 40° 32.425′ N, 91° 23.508′ W. Marker is in Nauvoo, Illinois, in Hancock County. Marker is on South Main Street south of Water Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 South Main Street, Nauvoo IL 62354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bidamon Stable (a few steps from this marker); Nauvoo Survey Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Nauvoo House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mansion House (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Brick Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nauvoo, Illinois (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Icarian Community in Nauvoo (approx. 0.4 miles away); Exodus to Greatness (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nauvoo.
Also see . . . Joseph Smith Homestead and Mansion House. The Church of Jesus Christ of the latter-Day Saints Historic Sites entry. (Submitted on December 8, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.