ROADTRIPPIN - THE "OTHER HALF" OF NAUVOO

Mansion House

The martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum in June 1844, left the Saints with a terrible sense of loss. And despite the expectation that the loss of these leaders would cause the church to crumble, just the opposite was true. Saints continue to flock to Nauvoo, and this small city once rivaled Chicago in population. So, the persecution continued and increased.

   Eventually, with their lives in constant danger and the Missouri Executive Order 44 in full effect (which made it legal to kill Mormons on-the-spot, no-questions-asked), the Saints were directed by Brigham Young that it was time for them to continue west. Much of what was left behind didn’t survive, although an impressive amount did. The Mormon Church has purchased much of the Old Nauvoo area, to preserve as historic sites open to the public (for free).

   In 1846, a small group stayed in Nauvoo, including the widow of Joseph – who was pregnant at the time of Joseph’s death. Years later, Joseph & Emma’s eldest son, Joseph III became the leader of a “New Organization” based upon the same principles as the original Mormon church. This was later called the Reorganized LDS Church, and is now known as the Community of Christ church.

  While the Mormon Church owns much of Old Nauvoo, the Community of Christ owns a significant portion still also. And they have done a beautiful job of maintaining and restoring the areas that they own. They have a beautiful new chapel, and have built a Visitor’s Center – open to everyone. For a modest $4 donation (used to continue to preserve these historic sites) they will take you on a Walking Tour. You start with a movie, then walk down to a few original buildings – with a history lesson, of course.

   And then you get to go into the Original Smith Family Homestead, a log cabin, and the first home of Joseph & Emma in Nauvoo. Behind this cabin is where the bodies of the slain Joseph & Hyrum were originally buried, in an unmarked grave so as to not be disturbed by those persecuting the Saints. Later the bodies were exhumed and reburied with a beautiful granite marker – Joseph in the center, with Hyrum on his right and Emma on his left. Now a beautiful little Smith Family Cemetery takes up a corner of this homestead, with other members of the Smith Family buried there too.

   Across the street is the Mansion House, the last home that Joseph & Emma shared, which still has some original artifacts. Originally built with a Hotel wing to accommodate the many guest constantly arriving in Nauvoo, the family later made some modifications. The original main part of the home is still intact, and is beautiful.

  Just down the block is the Red Brick Store. Although the original was torn down in 1890 (due to disrepair), a beautiful recreation now stands in its place. Joseph’s Office and other rooms are recreated in detail – including the Upper Room, true to how it looked when the first Relief Society was organized there in 1842. The lower floor is now a “General Store” where you can purchase period-type toys, treats, décor – and a good selection of books about the history of Nauvoo.

  I strongly recommend that you make it to both sections of Nauvoo – they share a history. And both churches, although some beliefs continue to be shared while others have changed in the past 175 years – they both share one important belief: Joseph Smith was inspired of God, and the work that he did, the influence he had on the lives on the Saints in Nauvoo, and the tragedy of his murder – those are things that are undeniable. And both believe that it’s a history important to preserve and teach to future generations. And both do so beautifully and in harmony.