Carthage in Hancock County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The "Old Jail"

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 10, 2012

1. The "Old Jail" Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In the old Carthage jail, which stands one block south of here, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Prophet and Patriarch of the Mormon Church, were killed by a mob on June 27, 1844. Two years later the Mormons withdrew from Illinois, where they had settled in 1839, to the Great Salt Lake.

Erected 1935 by State of Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1858.

Location. 40° 24.975′ N, 91° 8.375′ W. Marker is in Carthage, Illinois, in Hancock County. Marker is at the intersection of Buchanan Street and Fayette Street on Buchanan Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carthage IL 62321, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Carthage Jail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln in Hancock County (about 500 feet away); Lincoln's Failed Murder Case (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lincoln's Carthage Speech (approx. 0.3

The "Old Jail" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 10, 2012

2. The "Old Jail"

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miles away); Masonic Lodge Building of 1887 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lincoln and Agriculture (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hamilton House (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Simon Cemetery (approx. 10.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carthage.

Also see . . . Carthage Jail. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Historic Sites entry (Submitted on July 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Joseph Smith, Mormon

Joseph and Hyrum Smith Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 10, 2012

3. Joseph and Hyrum Smith Statue

"The Assassination of Joseph Smith" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By LDS Timeline, Unknown

4. "The Assassination of Joseph Smith"

Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.