Quincy in Adams County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Mormons in Quincy
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, June 11, 2012
1. The Mormons in Quincy Marker
Mormons in Missouri were forced to flee their homes or face death because of an "extermination order" issued in 1838 by Governor Lillburn Boggs. Many of them crossed into Illinois at Quincy and were made welcome by the people here. In April 1839 they were joined by their leader Joseph Smith, who had been imprisoned on charges of treason since November 1838. Smith had long envisioned a great Mormon community. In May of 1839 he purchased land upriver from Quincy and set about building his city -- Nauvoo. it became the center of Mormon life and by his death in 1844 was the largest city in Illinois.
Erected 1976 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1839.
Location. 39° 55.927′ N, 91° 24.561′ W. Marker is in Quincy, Illinois, in Adams County. It is on Maine Street east of North 4th Street (U.S. 24), on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lincoln's Friend Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); Permanency of Slavery (within shouting distance of this marker); Morality of Slavery (within shouting distance of this marker); Spread of Slavery Into The Territories (within shouting distance of this marker); Racial Equality (within shouting distance of this marker); A Quincy "Copperhead" (within shouting distance of this marker); Lorado Taft (1860 - 1936) (within shouting distance of this marker); Dred Scott Decision
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 11, 2020
2. The Mormons in Quincy Marker
Washington Park and gazebo are in the background
Another marker is no longer nearby. Stephen A. Douglas in Quincy (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,583 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on May 11, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. Photos: 1. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 11, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
