Nauvoo in Hancock County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nauvoo House
HIstoric Nauvoo
Photographed By Jason Voigt
1. Nauvoo House Marker
In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ commanded the Latter-day Saints to build two houses in Nauvoo. One was a temple - the house of the Lord. The other was the Nauvoo House - " a resting place for the weary traveler" to "contemplate the glory of Zion" (Doctrine and Covenants 124:60).
The Saints began building the Nauvoo House in October 1841. By March 1844, they had completed only the basement, made of stone, and part of the first floor, made of brick. Seeing that they could not finish both the Nauvoo House and the temple in a timely manner, the Prophet Joseph instructed them to devote all their attention to the temple.
Around 1865, Lewis Bidamon, the second husband of Joseph's widow Emma, began dismantling portions of the unfinished Nauvoo House. He used the stone to build a stable to the north. He used the brick to remodel the building as it appears today. He and Emma eventually moved in and operated it as a hotel called the Riverside Mansion.
This site was owned and maintained by Community of Christ until 2024.
Erected 2024 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 40° 32.406′ N, 91° 23.489′ W. Marker is in Nauvoo, Illinois, in Hancock County. Marker is on Main Street south of Water Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 890 Main St, 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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Family Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph, Emma and Hyrum Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Nauvoo Survey Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Family Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph and Emma Smith's Mansion House (about 300 feet away); Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nauvoo.
More about this marker. Marker replaced this marker, which was originally placed by the Community of Christ.
Photographed By Jason Voigt
2. Nauvoo House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
