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

Nauvoo Survey Stone

Photographed by Duane Hall, July 17, 2010

1. Nauvoo Survey Stone Marker

Inscription. This is the site of the original survey stone for Nauvoo, the "city beautiful," founded by church members in 1839 after they were forced to leave Missouri. All streets of the city were platted from this point. The two widest streets in Nauvoo at the time, Main Street and Water Street, intersect here. Main Street begins and ends at the Mississippi River due to the bend in the river at this location. One early plan for the city proposed a canal to be constructed down the center of Main Street to bypass the dangerous Des Moines rapids. Those working on the project soon hit bedrock and the project was abandoned.

Erected 2003 by Community of Christ.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 40° 32.445′ N, 91° 23.504′ W. Marker is in Nauvoo, Illinois, in Hancock County. It is at the intersection of Water Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nauvoo IL 62354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Joseph and Emma Smith's Mansion House (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Family Homestead (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Bidamon Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Family Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph, Emma and Hyrum Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Nauvoo House (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nauvoo.

Other markers no longer nearby. Mansion House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Homestead (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Nauvoo House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Main Street - Water Street Intersection image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, July 17, 2010

2. Main Street - Water Street Intersection

Mansion House in background

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 853 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photograph with wide view of marker, and photograph of site of original survey stone. • Can you help?