Kirtland in Lake County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Tannery
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026
1. Tannery Marker
A tannery was constructed in 1832 on the site where this home now stands. Built by Arnold Mason, the tannery processed animal hides into leather.
The business was purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was given to Sidney Rigdon in 1834 (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:19-23). Before joining the Church, Rigdon had worked as a tanner when he briefly left his occupation as a Protestant minister.
Because of his responsibilities as a counselor in the Church's First Presidency, Rigdon had little time to devote to running a business. He left the tannery to the management of others and eventually sold it to his mother.
Erected by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 41° 37.746′ N, 81° 21.676′ W. Marker is in Kirtland, Ohio, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of Whitmer Street and Smith Street, on the right when traveling west on Whitmer Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland, on the Lake Erie Shore, and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Baptisms on the East Branch of the Chagrin River (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Whitney Red Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Whitney and Gilbert Livery Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Kirtland Schoolhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mormon Community (about 500 feet away); Faith, Family, Community, and Industry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kirtland Temple (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Kirtland Temple (approx. Ό mile
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026
2. Tannery
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
