Nauvoo in Hancock County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Eyes Westward
"To your tents O Israel"
In Nauvoo the saints heard the rallying ancient cry, "To your tents O Israel". In sublime faith and trust, such as history scarcely records, they obeyed, ready to follow their leader where ever he might direct their pilgrim feet. The scenes of wagons, families and livestock crowding to leave their city would be impossible to adequately describe and unless you were there, impossible to fully comprehend the hardships these sweet early saints endured.
The first wagons left Nauvoo on February 4, 1846. This early departure, brought on by increased mobocracy, subjected them to gale-force winds, torrential rain, snow, subfreezing temperatures and axle-deep mud. Most of the Saints were poorly prepared for this epic journey. Many were city dwellers from the eastern United States and England, skilled in many crafts but unaccustomed to the feeding and harnessing of horses, oxen and mules, driving wagons and herding livestock. Through much work, sacrifice and prayer and under the inspiration of Heaven and their inspired leaders, these faithful Saints completed their journey west and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
To those early pioneers whom we love honor and cherish may your names be forever remembered.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1852.
Location. 40° 32.573′ N, 91° 24.033′ W. Marker is in Nauvoo, Illinois, in Hancock County. Marker is at the intersection of Water Street and Parley Street, on the right when traveling west on Water Street. Marker is at the Mississippi River at the west end of Water and Parley Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Exodus to Greatness (within shouting distance of this marker); Into the Unknown (within shouting distance of this marker); A Long Journey (within shouting distance of this marker); Aquatic Life of Mississippi River Pool 19 (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trail of Hope (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Mississippi Flyway (approx. 0.3 miles away); Blacksmith & Wainwright (approx. 0.4 miles away); The History of Mississippi River Pool 19, aka Lake Cooper (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nauvoo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 549 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.