Monmouth in Warren County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Joseph Smith Trial / Soldier Monument

Joseph Smith Trial side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

1. Joseph Smith Trial side of marker

Inscription. Joseph Smith Trial Site of the third Warren County Courthouse (1837-95) where on June 9, 1841, the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith stood trial under Judge Stephen A. Douglas to determine whether he should be extradited to Missouri to face criminal charges. He was released the following day when it was determined that the original writ of habeas corpus had expired.

Soldier Monument The bronze soldier monument, dedicated in 1909, includes on its base the name of every known Warren County Civil War veteran. It depicts a young volunteer soldier under light marching orders, heading southward.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Law Enforcement • Military. A significant historical date for this entry is June 9, 1841.

Location. 40° 54.736′ N, 90° 38.932′ W. Marker is in Monmouth, Illinois, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of West Broadway and Public Square, on the right when traveling west on West Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 W Broadway, Monmouth IL 61462, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Public Square / Central Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Monmouth Rotary Club (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Stephen A. Douglas in Monmouth (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Monmouth 1850-1930 (about 500 feet away); Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity (approx. ¼ mile away); Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 1½ miles away).

Also see . . . Introduction to Extradition of JS et al. for Treason and Other Crimes. Extensive collection of court records and other documents related to the legal case. (The Joseph Smith Papers) (Submitted on August 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Soldier Monument side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

2. Soldier Monument side of marker

Joseph Smith Trial / Soldier Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

3. Joseph Smith Trial / Soldier Monument

The soldier monument is in the background.

The Soldier Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

4. The Soldier Monument

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) image. Click for full size.

Unknown via Wikipedia (Public Domain), circa 1842

5. Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844)

The Mormon founder was arrested in Bear Creek, Ill. on June 5, 1841 on a warrant issued by Illinois Gov. Thomas Carlin. The warrant accused Smith of being a fugitive from justice in connection with a murder charge in Missouri. Smith challenged the basis for his arrest and was granted the hearing in Monmouth, where Douglas released him on a technicality.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.